• Must complete an accredited optometry program in Australia or New Zealand.
• Or already registered as an optometrist with the Optometry Board of Australia (OBA) or the New Zealand ODOB.
• Check if your qualification is on the OCANZ "Appendix B" recognized list.
• If on the list, submit Form 2 to apply for COE entry eligibility.
• If not on the list, submit Form 3 for OCANZ to assess whether the qualification is eligible for entry.

1. Confirm Eligibility

   • Check if your qualification is from an accredited Australian/New Zealand program
   • Verify if you are already registered
   • For overseas qualifications, confirm if listed in Appendix B

2. Prepare Documents

   • Qualification certificates, academic transcripts, proof of registration, identification documents
   • Provide certified translations for non-English documents
   • Complete the relevant application form (Form 1, 2, or 3)

3. Submit Application

   • Submit an entry application or skills assessment application
   • Pay the applicable fees

4. Take Examinations (if required)

   • First, take the COE written exam; if passed, schedule the clinical exam
   • Upon passing the exams, receive the COE certificate

5. Apply for Skills Assessment

   • Use the COE certificate or proof of registration to apply for a skills assessment with OCANZ
   • Obtain a positive Outcome Letter

6. Subsequent Registration or Immigration

   • Apply for registration with OBA or ODOB (if intending to practice in Australia/New Zealand)
   • Use the Skills Assessment for visa applications (e.g., 189/190/491, etc.)

Pathway A - Australian or New Zealand Graduate / Registered Optometrist

• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Proof of registration
• Passport or other identification documents
• If documents are not in English, provide an official translation

Pathway B - Overseas Qualification (Not registered in Australia/New Zealand)

• Obtain a COE certificate by passing the Written Examination and Clinical Examination
  • The written examination includes multiple-choice questions on Clinical Science and short-answer questions on Diagnosis & Management
  • The clinical examination includes Skills Station assessments and practical Patient Examination with real patients
• The registering body may require proof of English proficiency, health checks, and a character declaration
• All documents must be high-quality color scans
• Forms must use the latest version provided by OCANZ
• The examination and assessment cycle can be lengthy, so early planning is advised
• If ocular therapeutics qualification is needed, one must separately sit the ACOT examination or complete an accredited course

1. OCANZ