Examination
Overseas Optometrists
Are you an overseas trained optometrist who wants to work as an optometrist in Australia or New Zealand? Your examination process is outlined below.
1. Eligibility Assessment
An assessment of your eligibility to undertake the OCANZ Competency in Optometry Examination (COE).
Eligibility
To be eligible to sit for the COE an applicant must provide evidence of successful completion of a course of at least 4 years full-time study, or a course of 3 years full-time study followed by one year supervised clinical practice. A subsequent pass in a professional examination is also necessary if the country of practice requires such an examination for registration purposes.
Timeframe
4 to 8 weeks *
*Timeframes can be delayed if information submitted is incomplete.
Cost
$868
Validity
Does not expire
Application period
Apply at any time
2. Written Examination
A two day examination comprising of Clinical Science examination (MCQ) and the Diagnosis and Management examination (SAQ).
Eligibility
Successful and valid eligibility assessment
Venue
Online remote proctored exam able to be taken from your home country
Cost
Both papers: $3,534
One paper: $1,858
The fees are payable per attempt. There is no refund for failure.
Dates
2027 – First series
Monday 1st & Tuesday 2nd March 2027
Applications close Thursday 4th February 2027
2027 – Second series
Monday 2nd & Tuesday 3rd August 2027
Applications available 1st July 2027. Applications close Friday 2nd July 2027
3. Cultural Safety Training
The OCANZ Cultural Safety Training for Optometrists online program has been adapted for all overseas qualified optometrists as part of the examination process with the Optometry Council of Australian and New Zealand.
Eligibility
Successful valid written examination
Venue
Online assessment
Cost
$291
Validity
Does not expire
Application period
Apply at any time
4. Clinical Examination
A five-day examination comprising of Clinical Skill Assessments and Patient Examinations.
Eligibility
Successful valid written examination *
*within the last 3 years
Venue
Australian College of Optometry (ACO) in Melbourne, Australia
Cost
Skills exam: $2,863
Patient exam: $4,722
Dates
2026 – Session 2 APPLICATIONS OPEN
Session one: week of 9th November 2026
Session two: week of 16th November 2026
Session three: week of 23rd November 2026
2027 – DATES TO BE ADVISED SHORTLY