Complete Guide to the OCANZ Examination for International Optometrists

If you're an internationally qualified optometrist looking to practice in Australia or New Zealand, the OCANZ (Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand) examination is your pathway to registration. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

What is the OCANZ Examination?

The OCANZ examination is designed to assess whether internationally qualified optometrists have the knowledge and skills equivalent to Australian and New Zealand optometry graduates. It ensures patient safety and maintains the high standards of optometric care in both countries.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, you must meet the following criteria:

Educational Requirements

• Hold an optometry qualification from a recognised institution
• Your qualification must be at least a 4-year full-time equivalent program
• Include supervised clinical training

English Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate English proficiency through one of these tests:

• IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0; Listening 7.0 / Reading 7.0 / Speaking 7.0 / Writing 6.5 (Writing was lowered from 7.0 by AHPRA's common ELS standard effective 18 March 2025)
• OET (Occupational English Test): Minimum grade B in all four components
• PTE Academic: Per AHPRA's accepted-tests page — component minimums were revised on 23 April 2026; verify current scores before sitting

Professional Experience

• OCANZ does not impose a fixed clinical-experience minimum for COE eligibility — the threshold is qualification-based (a 4-year full-time optometry program, or a 3-year program plus supervised practice equivalent). Recent clinical practice is nonetheless valuable for the Clinical Examination's live patient cases.
• Evidence of current or recent practice in optometry

Examination Structure

The OCANZ examination consists of multiple components:

Part 1: Written Examination

Two papers sat in a single examination period (per OCANZ COE page):

• Clinical Science: 144 MCQs covering biomedical, vision, optical, and clinical science — 3 hours
• Diagnosis & Management: 18 short-answer questions

First sitting: both papers must be attempted together. If only one paper is failed, you may repeat that single paper at the next examination period; if both are failed (or the single-paper repeat is failed), both must be re-sat together.

Part 2: Clinical Examination (Skills Station Examination + Patient Examination)

OCANZ's Clinical Examination has two components — the Skills Station Examination (12 stations) and the Patient Examination (live patient cases). Together these test:

• Patient history taking
• Refraction and prescribing
• Ocular health assessment
• Binocular vision assessment
• Contact lens fitting
• Communication and patient management

Important: the Clinical Examination must be passed within 3 years of passing the Written Examination (per the COE Examination Guide) — plan your sittings accordingly.

Key Topic Areas

The examination covers these core competency areas:

1. Refraction and Visual Optics

   • Subjective and objective refraction techniques
   • Prescribing considerations
   • Visual optics principles

2. Ocular Health Assessment

   • Anterior segment examination
   • Posterior segment examination
   • Ocular disease recognition and management

3. Binocular Vision

   • Assessment techniques
   • Management of binocular vision disorders
   • Strabismus evaluation

4. Contact Lens Practice

   • Fitting principles
   • Lens selection
   • Aftercare management

5. Professional Practice

   • Ethics and legal requirements
   • Australian/NZ healthcare system
   • Therapeutic prescribing

Preparation Timeline

We recommend the following preparation timeline:

6-12 Months Before

• Review eligibility requirements
• Complete English language testing
• Begin studying Australian clinical guidelines

3-6 Months Before

• Intensive study of OCANZ examination topics
• Practice clinical skills
• Use practice questions and mock exams

1-3 Months Before

• Focus on weak areas
• Revise Australian therapeutic guidelines
• Practice time management

Tips for Success

1. Understand the Australian Context: Familiarise yourself with local guidelines, regulations, and common conditions in Australia/New Zealand.

2. Practice Clinical Skills: The OSCE requires hands-on proficiency. Practice with colleagues or mentors.

3. Time Management: Both written and clinical exams are time-pressured. Practice under timed conditions.

4. Stay Current: Review recent updates to clinical guidelines and therapeutic options.

5. Join Study Groups: Connect with other candidates for peer support and learning.

After Passing the Examination

Upon successful completion:

1. Apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia (OBA) or Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (NZ)
2. Complete any additional requirements (e.g., jurisprudence modules)
3. Obtain professional indemnity insurance
4. Begin your optometry career in Australia or New Zealand

Resources

• OCANZ Official Website
• Optometry Board of Australia
• GdayOptometrist Practice Question Bank

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This guide is regularly updated to reflect the latest OCANZ requirements. Last updated: December 2024.