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.
Please ensure you have read all information regarding eligibility, fee requirements, examination dates, the examination process, and key deadlines before submitting your application. Candidates are responsible for understanding the full examination process and associated costs prior to commencing.
Step 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 non-refundable
Validity
Does not expire
Application period
Apply at any time
Step 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
Step 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 non-refundable
Validity
Does not expire
Application period
Apply at any time
Step 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 – Second series – APPLICATIONS OPEN
Session one: week of 9th November 2026
Session two: week of 16th November 2026
Session three: week of 23rd November 2026
Closing date: Thursday 8th October 2026 (or unless sold out prior)
2027 – First series – DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
Session one: week of 21st June 2027
Session two: week of 28th June 2027
Closing date: Thursday 6th May 2027 (or unless sold out prior)
2027 – Second series – DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
Session one: week of 8th November 2027
Session two: week of 15th November 2027
Session three: week of 22nd November 2027
Closing date: Thursday 7th October 2027 (or unless sold out prior)