Industry News
ACO Expands Advanced Training as Mini-Scleral Lens Demand Grows in Australia
As specialty contact lenses gain traction for treating complex corneal conditions, the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) is stepping up its commitment to professional development by expanding its Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses program. The course provides optometrists with in-depth clinical knowledge and hands-on skills in fitting advanced lenses, including the increasingly popular mini-scleral lens.
Mini-scleral lenses are fast emerging as a preferred solution for patients with keratoconus, ocular trauma, and other irregular corneal conditions. Known for their ability to provide superior comfort and visual acuity where traditional lenses often fail, these lenses are reshaping the way optometrists approach complex fittings.
To support this growing interest, the ACO has tailored its training to reflect both clinical best practices and emerging technologies in specialty lens care. Key voice in the program is Perth-based optometrist Damon Ezekiel, co-founder of the Euro-Asian Scleral Lens Academy (EASLA) and owner of Ezekiel Eyes.
Damon’s 2024 lecture on mini-scleral lens fitting techniques and patient communication drew enthusiastic feedback from course participants, highlighting the appetite among optometrists for more specialised guidance in this space. A follow-up lecture is planned for 2025, focusing on advanced fitting strategies, including scleral profilometry and custom software-based designs, to support more tailored outcomes for patients with highly irregular corneas.
As adoption of mini-scleral lenses increases in practices around Australia, the need for advanced clinical training has never been clearer. The ACO’s updated course equips optometrists with the confidence and capabilities to manage everything from straightforward to highly complex cases.
Applications for the April 2025 intake are now open, with strong interest already reported. The course is ideal for optometrists looking to broaden their expertise in specialty lenses and deliver more personalised, high-impact care to patients.
For further details and to apply, visit: profession.aco.org.au/certificate-in-advanced-contact-lenses
