The Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision (ACO-ACCV) aims to provide an evidence-based approach to children’s vision. Commencing with a broad overview, the course topics include the diagnosis and management of abnormal binocular vision, paediatric amblyopia, strabismus, nystagmus, vision therapy, learning related vision problems, myopia control and paediatric ocular disease.
Presented by an accomplished list of leaders in paediatric optometry, this course will broaden optometrists’ scope providing graduates with the confidence to treat paediatric patients presenting with a range of conditions. Local clinical placements in Australia and New Zealand provide participants with invaluable practical experience. The course offers a flexible remote learning structure ideal for rural or remote optometrists and those balancing work and other commitments.
Commencement
10 February 2025- Duration
6 months 
CPD Points
Australia: Allocation Pending- Fees
More info
Commencement
Duration
CPD Points
FeesFeatures
- NEW Exotropia Management module
- Study from home – flexible, online learning
- Demonstration videos and e-learning materials
- Local clinical experience*
- Discussion forums and networking opportunities
*Please note: Candidates are required to organise their own placements at a practice local to them.
How to apply
If you are not an ACO Member, create a free ACO user account to register for this course via the ‘Apply now’ button.
ACO Members should use their member login details.
Entry requirements
Candidates must be an optometry graduate and registered as an optometrist in Australia or New Zealand. However, course enquiries from overseas applicants or optometrists with limited registration are welcome and should be directed to cpd@aco.org.au.
It is recommended that candidates have a minimum of six months general practice experience prior to commencing the course.
Overseas optometrists should note completion of this course does not offer a pathway to an Australian visa. Please visit Optometry Board for information on practicing in Australia and New Zealand.
Contact Us
2025 Fees | Australia (Inc GST) | New Zealand (Ex GST) |
|---|---|---|
| ACO Member | $2,994 | $2,694 |
| Non Member | $3,770 | $3,393 |
Meet Celine, 2023 Graduate
As an early career optometrist, Celine Fung sought to gain more confidence and expertise in paediatric optometry.
She felt the Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision was an excellent opportunity to expand her knowledge and skills, allowing her to stay up to date with evidence-based practices and provide the best possible care for her patients.
“I identified children’s vision and binocular vision as areas I wasn’t confident in, and I realised the only way to improve was to face this topic head-on, building on the experience I’d gained in my first years as an optometrist.
The clinical placement and logbook aspect of the course allowed me to learn from my
local paediatric ophthalmologist and orthoptists, seeing a wide range of symptoms, conditions, and special populations—from history-taking and clinical tests to management.
The course improved my knowledge by revisiting topics that were introduced at university. With more patient experience since graduating, I now better understand the mechanisms behind different conditions and pathologies.
I’ve become more confident, particularly in communicating with and engaging paediatric patients, as well as discussing their health with their caregivers.
I would highly recommend this course to my peers. The self-paced modules cover a variety of topics, including special populations and developmental considerations, and the clinical placement hours provide invaluable learning.
Investing time in improving your skills and confidence is always worthwhile. There’s always something to gain from facing gaps in your knowledge head-on rather than shying away from them.”
