The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) has expanded its postgraduate level courses with the launch of its new Certificate in Public Health Optometry (ACO-CPHO).

ACO-CHPO consists of two modules. The first examines the fundamentals of public health optometry, including epidemiology, biostatistics, health systems, health promotion, health literacy and cultural competency. The second module focuses on public health leadership and includes the future of work, diversity and inclusion, health management and clinical leadership, networking and partnerships and advocacy and communication.  

The six-month, online certificate course features self-paced learning through online lectures, reading materials and discussion forums to allow interaction between participants. Assessments include a project-based activity designed to encourage participants to look at public health issues in a novel way. 

The course aims to give optometrists the necessary framework to cultivate their interest in public health, providing the opportunity to expand their knowledge and make them aware of the tools needed to show leadership in the profession, said the College. “We aspire for our graduates to think of optometry differently and to broaden their perspective beyond the consulting room and into all the possibilities of public health, the great impact it has and the importance of strong leadership.”

The Certificate of Public Health Optometry course commences on 29 May, 2019.

Other courses run by ACO include the Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses, Advanced Certificate in Glaucoma, Advanced Certificate in Children's Vision and the Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics.  

For more information, please visit www.aco.org.au, call +61 3 9349 7477 or email cpd@aco.org.au.