Why become a member of ACBO?
We provide the following benefits to optometry professionals:
- Conferences and study groups including the ACBO State Conference every year, National ACBO Vision Conference, and every 4 years ACBO joins forces with OEP in presenting an international conference
- Through our Bookshop, for the purchase of books and equipment at a discounted rate for members
- Provide a Fellowship program in order that members can extend their theoretical and clinical skills. Fellows are recognised both within and outside ACBO for their level of expertise as a result of this accreditation
- Liaise with government bodies and professional organizations
Presently aspects of Behavioural Optometry are taught at most Australian universities as part of the undergraduate optometry courses. The University of New South Wales also offers a Behavioural Optometry Course (as a unit of the Master's program). This unit comprises 110 hours of education, and was established in conjunction with ACBO and designed to provide participants with an introduction to the many different aspects of Behavioural Optometry. The content provides a neuroscience background together with clinical insights that allow the development of a behavioural model of optometric practice. This course is a prerequisite for Fellowship application to the College.
What Members Receive
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| ACBO Email Newsletter | |
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| ACBO Continuing Education Discounts | |
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| ACBO Bookshop Discounts | |
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| Certificate of Membership (on request) |
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| Voting Rights |
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| Use of ACBO logo for stationery & signage |
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| Online Blog Access | |
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| Online Forum Access | |
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| OEP Journal of Behavioural Optometry | |
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| OEP Monograph Publications |
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| Searchable listing on OEP website | |
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Membership Fees (12 months)
Renewing your membership? Renew Now
Members
A member of ACBO has completed the four or five years of undergraduate study to achieve a Bachelor of Optometry degree. Members are optometrists who would like to take full advantage of all of the services that ACBO has to offer.
Eligibility criteria:
- Members must be registered practicing Optometrists
- On joining, new members must agree to comply with ACBO's Code of Ethics
- Existing members are deemed to have accepted ACBO's Code of Ethics
- Members must attend at least one 2 day conference every 12 months to maintain their membership
All ACBO membership fees are for12 months from date of joining.
Fellows
Fellows are those optometrists who have completed the fellowship examination process, which takes 3-4 years. They must pass a rigorous assessment program to achieve Fellowship to the College. Evaluation includes comprehensive written, oral and clinical examinations and the writing of a literature review. Fellows must also undertake 30 hours of additional continuing education each year to maintain their Fellowship accreditation, and must regularly submit papers for publication.
Fellows receive all the benefits of certified members plus they are able to attend “Fellows Only” continuing education, and are recognised by other professionals and the larger community as providing the highest level of professional behavioural care. Fellows are listed separately on the website and Members Directory, and are given priority.
Eligibility criteria:
- Fellows must remain financial ACBO members to retain their status
- In addition to the Membership eligibility criteria, Fellows must attend at least one Fellows Conference every 2 years to maintain their status
Click here to download information about becoming an ACBO Fellow.
Accredited Vision Therapists
Accreditation of Vision Therapist provides therapists with recognition within the optometric community of their valuable and skilled role.
The following criteria apply to those candidates seeking such accreditation.
- The candidate must work with an ACBO Fellow
- The submission of a range of assignments in varied areas of vision therapy to the ACBO Examination Board for review to ensure an appropriate standard of care
- Time granted to complete this process is 3 years.
- A mandatory 10 hours of approved continuing education annually (or 30 hours over 3 years) in functional vision care is required to maintain accreditation.
- The Accredited Vision Therapist needs to continue work under the supervision of an ACBO Fellow to maintain accreditation.
Accredited Therapists may join ACBO in this capacity to benefit from its ongoing continuing education programs which may be unavailable to other vision therapists.
Click here to download information about becoming an Accredited Vision Therapist.
Associate Memberships
This membership type is suitable for:
- Members taking an extended break from practice
- Maternity or extended Family Leave
- Other Healthcare Professionals
- Referrers or others with an interest in Behavioural Optometry
Associate Members are able to view the Members' Blog & Forum, but only full Members are eligible to post.
Students
Graduate students are given complimentary 12 months’ membership.
Honorary Memberships
This level of Membership is Perpetual (no need to renew) and is a FREE membership awarded at the discretion of the ACBO Board. Honorary Members enjoy all the benefits of ordinary Members.
Retired Members
This level of Membership is Perpetual (no need to renew) and is a FREE membership awarded at the discretion of the ACBO Board. Retired Members enjoy all the benefits of ordinary Members, but have no Practice information.
ACBO Membership period is 12 months from date of commencement for all membership types.
ACBO will not refund any part of a membership subscription fee if a member chooses to terminate their membership mid-term.
