NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 97 — 27 OCTOBER 2016

Scopes of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians as at 27 October 2016

1. Scope of Practice for Optometrists

The practice of optometry provides evidence-based comprehensive eye health and vision care in a professional and ethical manner, delivered by university-qualified optometrists.

Prescribed qualifications for registration in the Scope of Practice for Optometrists

Pathway (a) or (b) may be taken.

Pathway (a): The applicant holds an undergraduate qualification or proof of eligibility to graduate from an institution accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) and endorsed by the Board. This includes:

• Bachelor of Optometry, University of Auckland, New Zealand;
• Bachelor of Optometry, University of Melbourne, Australia;
• Bachelor of Optometry, University of New South Wales, Australia;
• Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry, Queensland University of Technology, Australia;
• Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science), Master of Optometry, Flinders University, South Australia; or
• Bachelor of Vision Science & Master of Optometry, Deakin University, Australia.

Pathway (b): The applicant has a pass in the current OCANZ Competency in Optometry Examination.

2. Scope of Practice for Optometrists (TPA Endorsement)

The practice of optometry (TPA endorsement) provides evidence-based comprehensive eye health and vision care, including prescribing of therapeutic medicines, in a professional and ethical manner, delivered by university-qualified optometrists.

Prescribed qualifications for registration in the Scope of Practice for Optometrists (TPA Endorsement)

The applicant is qualified for the scope of practice for optometry and holds:

• a written acknowledgement from the University of Auckland Faculty of Science that the applicant has successfully completed the three Postgraduate Diploma in Science courses, OPTOM 781 Principles of Ocular Diseases, OPTOM 784 Ocular Disorders and their Management, and OPTOM 787 Clinical Ocular Therapeutics;
• a Certificate in Ocular Pharmacology, University of Auckland and a written acknowledgement from the University of Auckland Faculty of Science that the applicant has successfully completed all the requirements of the Auckland programme in ocular therapeutics (TAPIOT) conferred between 2004 and 2008;
• a BOptom, University of Auckland conferred in 2007 and thereafter;
• a pass in the Assessment of Competence in Ocular Therapeutics (ACOT) administered by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ);
• a pass in a therapeutics programme accredited by OCANZ and endorsed by the Board; or
• a pass in a therapeutics programme accredited by the Board.

3. Scope of Practice for Educator in Optometry

The scope of practice for an educator in optometry refers to the scope of practice for optometry, practised within an educational institution.

Prescribed qualifications for registration in the Scope of Practice for Educator in Optometry

• The applicant holds a qualification referred to in the scope of practice for optometry;
• the applicant holds a qualification referred to in the scope of practice for optometry (TPA endorsement);
• the applicant holds BApplSc (Optometry) or BSc (Optometry) from the University of Melbourne;
• the applicant holds a listed (non-bridging) qualification from one of the schools of optometry in the United Kingdom listed below and the applicant has passed the pre-registration year and Professional Qualifying Examination conducted by the College of Optometry or its equivalent within a four-year degree:
  • BSc/BSc Hons in Optometry or BSc/BSc Hons in Ophthalmic Optics, University of Aston;
  • BSc/BSc Hons in Optometry (Ophthalmic Optics) or BSc/BSc Hons in Ophthalmic Optics, University of Bradford;

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