Graduates finishing study in the next three months can apply for registration now

18 Sep 2023

If you’re studying to become an optometrist and are due to finish your course in the next three months, you can apply for registration now.

Getting your application in early helps avoid any delays and helps get you into the workforce sooner. If you apply before you finish your study, we can start assessing your application while we wait for your graduate results.

Before you can start working as an optometrist you have to be registered with the Optometry Board of Australia (the Board).

Easy steps to apply online

1. Create your account using the online services portal and complete your application
2. Upload your documents and pay the required fees. Check that you have provided all required documents to prove you’ve met the registration standards, including certified copies of your photo ID.
3. Wait for your education provider to provide your graduate results to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates – Need help to apply?

A new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement and Support team (the support team) was recently established and is staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Part of the support team’s role is to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants through the registration process, including new graduates.

It provides a one-on-one service ranging from providing helpful tips for navigating the registration process to regular phone contact, updates on relevant work being done in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme around cultural safety and advice on disclosures made on registration applications (for example, about impairments) that may require consideration by the Board.

The support team is committed to helping you get registered promptly so you can start making vital contributions to safe healthcare and to your communities. If, after reading the handy hints below, you would still like help with your application for registration, please email the support team at mobengagementsupport@ahpra.gov.au.

Handy hints to help you apply

Watch our video to get your application right

Applying for graduate registration video

You’ll find helpful advice, tips for avoiding common causes of delay and downloadable information flyers on the graduate applications page of the Ahpra website.

A common cause of delay is when the name you use on your application for registration does not match the name your education provider uses for your graduate results, or your name on your identification documents (such as licence or passport). Make sure your names match, otherwise it will cause delay.

Get your photo ID certified correctly

It's important that you provide correctly certified photo ID documents with your application – the wording is specific:

‘I certify that this is a true copy of the original and the photograph is a true likeness of the person presenting the document as sighted by me.’

To get it right the first time, download the guide ‘Certifying documents’ and take it with you to the authorised officer. For the full list of authorised officers see the guide.

In addition to a Justice of the Peace, most registered health practitioners, public servants, teachers, lecturers and members of the legal profession can certify photographic ID documents.

Meeting the Board’s registration requirements

When you apply for registration, your application is carefully assessed against the Board’s requirements for registration, which includes meeting the following registration standards:

• English language skills, and
• professional indemnity insurance.

You also need to tell us about any criminal history and any health impairments that may affect your ability to practise.

You can also check out the Board’s video for graduating students which introduces you to the Board and outlines the professional standards expected of optometrists.

How long does it take to get registered?

We aim to finalise your application within two weeks of receiving your graduate results. This assumes you have submitted a complete application so be sure to read the handy hints above and watch our video.

Get your application right and submit it to us before you finish studying, so we can be ready to go when your results come in.

When you are registered, we will publish your name to the Register of practitioners, and you can start working as an optometrist.

For more information

• For registration enquiries or difficulties with the online application form, contact us by making a web enquiry or by calling 1300 419 495 (within Australia).