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Benefits of working at the ACO

The ACO is committed to improving the eye health and well-being of communities through clinical optometry practice, research and education.

We are dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive, and rewarding work environment where all staff can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Salary packaging benefits (increase take-home pay)
A strong commitment to diversity
Professional learning and development
Employee assistance program
Career progression opportunities
Staff recognition program
Discounted glasses and contact lenses

Current opportunities

Join the optometrists caring for our community

"We do outreach in a lot of different settings. In particular, I enjoy getting to know the staff and the patients who I may see repeatedly over time and become familiar with. Often optometry can be a bit the same, but that’s not the case with my work. There’s lots of variety within your week."

Joe Waterman, Optometrist

"At the ACO I’ve experienced so many things I hadn’t seen in the first half of my career. I’ve learnt so much by being exposed to so many different cases. I feel like my knowledge of optometry is much broader now"

Lisa Wise, Optometrist

"Working at the ACO, I have been able to provide comprehensive and quality eye care to those who may otherwise not have access to it, which is an incredible way to give back to the community and put my years of training to good use."

Diba Rezazadeh, Optometrist

"Being involved in the diverse range of services has allowed me to build my skillset, and to diagnose and manage a variety of eye conditions with increasing accuracy and efficiency."

Iris Kolle, Optometrist

"It’s hard to overstate, when you’re on the ground providing VES, how important it is. It fills up a niche that is just not provided anywhere else. There is a big chunk of people who simply cannot afford glasses."

Vinay Latchman, Optometrist

"I enjoy interacting with students from different cultures and backgrounds, who are eager to learn. It’s rewarding to witness their growth throughout their placement, and to know the high quality of education we pass on will impact the future of optometry."

Adine Wield, Optometrist and Clinical Educator

How to Apply

Applications must include

A cover letter referring to the position title and addressing the key selection criteria.
Your curriculum vitae, outlining past experience and qualifications.
Current contact details for yourself and referees.
Supporting documents as outlined in the position description.

Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview with a panel of two or more staff members. Depending on the seniority of the position a second interview may be conducted.

Communication

The ACO will make every effort to acknowledge applicants who have fulfilled the application requirements. We will endeavour to communicate with both successful and unsuccessful applicants in a timely manner. If you are seeking specific information and/or feedback regarding the outcome of your application please email [email protected].

Employee screening

Employment for all positions is conditional on a satisfactory National Police Check (for working with children/vulnerable groups). A Working with Children Check may be required for some positions.

Diversity

The Australian College of Optometry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQI+ people, people living with disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

Privacy notification

We collect personal information for the purpose of processing and considering your application in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2000.

Assessments

For some positions applicants may be required to undertake an assessment. The assessment process will be outlined prior to your interview.

Graduate Program

Graduates accepted into the ACO’s two-year program will have the unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate and expand their clinical skill set with challenging and interesting cases, supported by ACO’s expert clinicians.

Launch your career in a truly unique public health setting which prioritizes excellence and health outcomes above all else.

Benefits for ACO Graduates

Work across 25-room Carlton clinic and ACO Eye Health satellite clinics
Dedicated mentoring and training time
Gain hands-on experience in ACO Eye Health’s advanced clinics, including: paediatrics, contact lenses and ocular disease services
Unrivalled peer feedback and support
Access to Manager of Clinical Governance & Training, Manager of Daily Operations & senior clinicians for second opinions
Begin with 1-hour appointments before moving to ACO Eye Health standard 50-minute consults (10 patients per day)
Opportunities to work in ACO Eye Health Outreach Programs

Learn More