In Australia, optometrists are registered nationally by the Optometry Board of Australia with administrative support from AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). Once you hold the OCANZ Certificate of Competence, you apply to AHPRA for general registration — this is what allows you to practise independently anywhere in Australia.
Pathway to general registration
- 1Receive your OCANZ Certificate of Competence after passing both written papers, Cultural Safety Training, and the clinical examination.
- 2Apply to AHPRA online for general registration with the Optometry Board of Australia using the current overseas-trained applicant form.
- 3Submit the documents and evidence required by the Board's Registration Standards.
- 4AHPRA assesses your application against the Optometry Board's Registration Standards (which include English language, recency of practice, criminal history, professional indemnity insurance, and continuing professional development).
- 5Pay the application and registration fees set by AHPRA.
- 6Once granted, your name appears on the public register at ahpra.gov.au and you may practise optometry in Australia.
Practising before clinical pass: limited registration
After passing the COE written component, you may optionally apply to AHPRA for limited registration to practise in Australia under the supervision of a registered optometrist while you prepare for the clinical exam. This is independent of OCANZ — you apply directly to AHPRA.
Read the Limited Registration GuideOcular therapeutics endorsement (optional, additional)
The COE does not qualify you to prescribe Schedule 4 ocular medications. To gain therapeutic prescribing rights you must additionally:
- Complete an Optometry Board–approved postgraduate program of study in ocular therapeutics
- Apply to the Optometry Board of Australia for endorsement for scheduled medicines
- If enrolled in the postgraduate program, you may apply for limited registration for postgraduate training
After registration: ongoing obligations
- Annual registration renewal with AHPRA by 30 November each year
- Maintain professional indemnity insurance that meets the Board's requirements
- Meet the Optometry Board's current CPD requirements
- Comply with the Board's Code of Conduct, standards and guidelines
- Notify AHPRA of changes (address, employment, conditions, criminal matters) within required timeframes
CPD point requirements and standards change. Always confirm current requirements via the Optometry Board of Australia website before each renewal.
Official sources
Use the official AHPRA / Optometry Board portals for current forms, fees, and standards.
Source: Optometry Board of Australia (optometryboard.gov.au) and AHPRA (ahpra.gov.au). Verified April 2026. Forms, fees, and standards change — always confirm current requirements directly with AHPRA.