Membership
ACO Members support our public eye health mission, contribute to our organisational governance, and benefit from exclusive benefits.
Why become a Member?
In addition to supporting the ACO’s public eye health mission, Members enjoy a range of exclusive membership benefits.
Professional Development
Access ACO’s innovative education program at discounted rates and unlock exclusive Member-only CPD.
Support ACO’s public health mission
Member support allows us to remove cost, access, language and cultural barriers experienced by many in need of eye health support.
Fellowship
Recognising members who have made a significant contribution to the optometry profession and the community.
Travel Grants
Gain international insights or contribute your skills to a disadvantaged community with the aid of an ACO travel grant.
Library Resources
Access a specialist collection of books, journal and other optometry, ophthalmology and vision science resources from the Nathan Library.
ACO Awards
ACO Awards recognise outstanding achievements by those in the optometry community.
Become an ACO Member
Join NowTypes of Membership
The ACO offers a variety of membership options ranging from students to retired Members.
Full Member
An optometrist who is registered to practise in Australia or New Zealand.
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Member (working less than 10 hours per week)
Registered optometrist in Australia or New Zealand but currently working less than 10 hours per week.
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Non-practising optometrist
Registered optometrist eligible for full ACO membership but currently non-practising due to illness or retired, taking parental or study leave.
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Student
FREE student membership until graduation for anyone enrolled into an Australian or New Zealand optometry school.
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First Year Graduate
Free one-year membership granted to graduates within 12 months of graduating from an Australian or New Zealand optometry school.
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Affiliate
Resides outside Australia or New Zealand, holds an overseas qualification in optometry and is not currently registered to practise in Australia or New Zealand.
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Associate
Those with a special interest in optometry or an allied field.
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NVRI Membership
Help improve health outcomes in the community through research in vision and eye care.
Join nowKett Museum
ACO proudly opened the Kett Optometry Museum in 2019, showcasing a world-class collection of equipment, instruments, spectacles, books and artefacts that trace the history of optometry and its education. The collection, with pieces dating back to the 17th century, highlights over 300 years of remarkable advancements in optometry and ophthalmology.
ACO Members and the public are welcome to visit the museum located at the ACO in Carlton by appointment. Please contact [email protected] to arrange a visit.
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