What is the Australian Orthoptic Board?

The Australian Orthoptic Board is the registration body for orthoptists in Australia. The function of the registration board is to regulate the profession of orthoptics in order to protect the public. The Board holds a Register of suitably qualified orthoptists and investigates the professional conduct and fitness to practise of registered orthoptists. Registration must be renewed every two years.

Who can be registered?

Graduates of specified Australian undergraduate degree programs in orthoptics are eligible to be registered with the Australian Orthoptic Board. Currently recognised degree programs are offered by The University of Sydney (NSW) and by La Trobe University (Victoria).

Recent graduates of Australian undergraduate orthoptic degree programs may apply before a degree has been conferred and will be considered after notification to the AOB by the university that the degree program has been successfully completed and that the applicant is eligible for admission to the Degree. A legally certified copy of the applicant's degree is required immediately after conferral and within 12 months of registration. Registration will not be renewed if a copy of the certificate is not provided.

Orthoptists who have qualified in a country other than Australia are required to submit their qualifications and supplementary evidence to the Australian Orthoptic Board for assessment. Such registration is not automatic and may require further examination. Refer to International Registration.

When can I register?

Suitably qualified orthoptists can apply for registration at any time. An application and payment information can be downloaded here. It is the responsibility of the orthoptist to initiate and maintain registration. Please allow up to six weeks for the registration process.

The Australian Orthoptic Board adopted a two-year registration structure. The current Registration period is from 1st July 2007 until 30th June 2009.

The full registration fee (currently AU$162) is payable regardless of when application is made during the biennial cycle. There is no provision for pro rata or part payment of registration.

Apply - how do I register?

2007-09 application and payment form: Download an application for biennial registration here. (Please don't use an old form - you may have to do it again!). Fill in the application form, sign and return:

1. the application form;
2. a copy of your orthoptic degree signed by an authorised person as a true copy of the original (see below). Application before a degree has been conferred must include a certified university transcript of final results showing admission to the bachelor degree; and
3. payment of AU$162 for registration until 30 June 2009 - cheque, money order or direct deposit receipt. Pro-rata payment is not available.
   (The AOB does not have credit card or BPay payment facilities. Payment can be made by internet bank transfer or direct deposit to the AOB's bank account at any CBA branch. Account information is on the payment form.)

Each of these documents (certified as required) and full payment must be received before your application can be considered.

All registrations are due for renewal biennially on 1st July. The full registration fee is payable regardless of when application is made during the biennial cycle.

Registration is independent of the Continuing Professional Education program. Participation in the CPE program toward a Certificate of Currency is encouraged but is not mandatory at this time.

Certified copy of qualifications
A photocopy of your degree certificate must be certified. That is, the copy must have a statement written/stamped on the front such as "I, _______ [insert name of authorised witness], ________ [insert occupation], hereby certify that this is a true and complete copy of the original certificate". The copy must be signed and dated by the authorised witness, most likely a doctor in your workplace, or any other person from the authorised witness list (eg pharmacist, teacher).

It is the responsibility of the orthoptist to initiate and maintain registration. If you fail to renew your registration by the due date, you will be held registered until 30 September of the renewal year. A late fee is payable in addition to your registration fee after 31 August.

If registration has not been renewed by 30 September, your name will be removed from the AOB's Register.

How does the Board ensure standards of practice?

The Australian Orthoptic Board was established to protect the interests of orthoptic patients by ensuring:

• the fitness to practise of registered orthoptists,
• that registered orthoptists are appropriately qualified, and
• maintain up to date clinical skills and knowledge.

The Australian Orthoptic Board accredits the orthoptic training programs in Australia and assesses the suitability of overseas qualified orthoptists for practice in Australia.

The Australian Orthoptic Board also provides a mechanism for complaints (and subsequent disciplinary action, if appropriate) that can be initiated by patients who believe an orthoptist has been negligent in management or where an orthoptist does not maintain appropriate ethical standards of practice or is found incompetent in practice.

While registration is not compulsory to practise, orthoptists are encouraged to register
with the Board and to participate in the Continuing Professional Education program (CPE) to gain credit towards a Certificate of Currency. The Board assesses professional continuing education activities submitted for accreditation.

Registration must be re-applied for every two years. On re-registration an orthoptist is eligible to submit a CPE claim and a Certificate of Currency will be awarded if sufficient points have been accrued.

Why is registration necessary?

There is no legislation requiring orthoptists to be registered to work in Australia but many employers and most public hospitals will ask for registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board (AOB) as a condition of employment.

The NSW government has passed legislation that allows orthoptists Registered with the Australian Orthoptic Board to refract and prescribe lenses but only for persons who:

1. have had, within the previous six months, an ocular health examination conducted by an optometrist or a registered medical practitioner practising as an ophthalmologist; and
2. have been referred in writing by the optometrist or medical practitioner.
   Source: RANZCO website

Legislation is different in each state and should be checked for the state in which you work.

Sonography: The Health Insurance Commissison in association with the Australasian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) introduced in 2002 a program of accreditation and continuing professional education for sonographers. The ASAR recognises registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board as appropriate accreditation for orthoptists to undertake sonography in relation to ocular structures.

Why is continuing professional education necessary?

AOB Registration and Certificate of Currency indicate to employers, health insurance companies and patients that you are an appropriately qualified and up-to-date practising orthoptist.

Qualified orthoptists can be registered without participating in Continuing Professional Education, but all registered orthoptists are encouraged to do so as a CPE Certificate of Currency is a statement that the holder:

• has maintained professional knowledge,
• has up-to-date practising skills, and
• provides the highest quality care for patients/clients.

On re-registration at the completion of a two-year cycle a registered orthoptist is eligible to submit a record of the continuing education activities undertaken in the previous two year cycle. If sufficient continuing professional education points have been accrued a Certificate of Currency will be issued.

Can an orthoptist be de-registered?

Yes. Incidences of unprofessional conduct, or health issues, which impair an orthoptist's ability to safely perform their work, can be reported to the Board. In such cases the Board must investigate the report and may recommend the issue go to an informal or formal hearing of the Board. Registration of the orthoptist concerned may be suspended until the hearing is complete and if the complaint is substantiated the orthoptist may be struck from the register or asked to complete specific education requirements or modify their practice.

What is the difference between the AOB and the OAA?

The Orthoptic Association of Australia Inc (OAA) is the professional body representing orthoptists.

The purpose of the registration board (AOB) is to protect the public by ensuring all registered orthoptists are competent to practise and provide a mechanism to receive and investigate complaints in relation to professional conduct.

The purpose of the OAA is to support and encourage members of the orthoptic profession to maintain their high standards of practice and develop the orthoptic profession.

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