CPD Calendar of Events

Click on the links in the Event/Location columns of the calendars below to be taken to the relevant event details or organiser's email address.

Optometry NSW/ACT CPD

CFEH Education & Optometry NSW/ACT Online CPD

The Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) and Optometry NSW/ACT have joined forces to offer Association members access to the vast library of CFEH videos, learning tools and resources at reduced prices, including a popular monthly webinar series and downloadable clinical resources, all of which are available via the link below.

CFEH Education & Optometry NSW/ACT Online CPD

Industry CPD

Registration Renewal

Check your points now at "MyCPD Record" by logging in to Optometry Australia's Member Hub to view your accredited CPD points for this year, last year and your total points as per the Optometry Board's CPD requirements.

With the AHPRA registration renewal date fast approaching, now is the perfect time to review your points and contact the training providers should there be any discrepancies.

OBA CPD Requirements

Optometrists must complete a minimum of 80 points of CPD over two registration periods. A registration period runs from 1 December to 30 November the following year. Of the 80 points over the two registration periods:

• A minimum of 24 points must be face-to-face
• 60 of the 80 points must be clinical CPD
• No more than 20 of the 80 points must be from suppliers or manufacturers
• 40 of the 80 points must be in education related to therapeutic prescribing (if applicable)

In addition to the CPD points requirement, training in CPR must have been completed within the last three years.

FAQ

Does the requirement apply to all optometrists?

Yes. The CPD & CPR requirement applies to all registered optometrists who hold general registration with AHPRA. The only exception is if you have been granted an exemption or are in the non-practicing category. Exemptions are granted at the discretion of the Optometry Board of Australia.

I am a newly registered optometrist. Do I have to meet the standard?

Yes. All newly registered optometrists are required to meet the CPD requirements from when they are first registered. This includes newly-graduated optometrists in their first year of practice.

I completed more points than the minimum of 40 points in 2014. Can I count this towards my 2015 requirements?

Yes. You need to complete 80 points over two consecutive registration periods. If you completed 60 points in 2014, you will need to complete 20 points in 2015 to ensure a total of 80 points over the two registration periods of 2014 and 2015. You will then need to complete 60 points again in 2016. Optometrists are encouraged to undertake CPD each year to avoid heavy loads in alternate years.

How will the Board know if I have met the CPD registration standard requirements?

All optometrists will be required to make a declaration when they renew their registration that they have met the CPD standard over the previous two registration periods. You do not need to provide any records at this time. You only need to produce records to support this declaration if you are selected through a random audit or if required by the Board in the course of investigation of a complaint.

I have an endorsement for scheduled medicines. I am required to obtain 40 of the minimum 80 points over two years by undertaking activities related to this endorsement. How do I know what these are?

The Board has developed a definition of CPD activities for endorsement for scheduled medicines. This is published at the ‘Continuing professional development’ section under the ‘Registration standard’ tab of the Board’s website. Providers of accredited CPD can also advise if an activity has been accredited as education relevant to scheduled medicines endorsement.

For more FAQs, click here.

CPR

It is a requirement for all optometrists to be trained in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) as part of their Continuing Professional Development. When renewing registration with the Optometry Board of Australia each optometrist will have to declare they have completed CPR training within the last three years. Some of our State Divisions offer specialised CPR courses for Members.