Industry News
ACO Launches Short Course on Myopia Management in Clinical Practice
The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) announces the launch of its first short course, Myopia Management in Clinical Practice, commencing 6 October 2025. Paced over five weeks, the online course provides evidence-based strategies to support assessment, treatment and management of myopia.
The new short course format expands the trusted optometry educator’s suite of CPD programs, offering a flexible, fully online pathway for optometrists to upskill in key practice areas, without the long-term commitment of a Certificate course.
The inaugural short course, Myopia Management in Clinical Practice, is designed to meet the critical needs of the optometry profession. With myopia projected to affect half of the world’s population by 2050, it remains one of the most pressing challenges in clinical practice today. In a recent industry survey conducted by the ACO, 60 per cent of optometrists identified myopia management as their first priority for professional development. Strong expressions of interest in ACO’s course further highlight the need for accessible, targeted training from a respected provider of myopia control.
Designed for therapeutically endorsed optometrists, Myopia Management in Clinical Practice provides evidence-based strategies to support assessment, treatment and management of myopia. The course is delivered by experienced educators and researchers including Tim Fricke, Dr Rohan Hughes, Associate Professor Lauren Ayton, Dr David Mackey, Dr Ranjay Chakraborty, Dr Nellie Deen and Dr Zeinab Fakih.
As Manager of Paediatrics and Rehabilitative Services at the ACO Eye Health, Zeinab Fakih is at the frontline of evidence-led myopia care, leading a team of dedicated paediatric optometrists at Victoria’s only public health optometry clinic for children. Since joining ACO Eye Health, Zeinab has driven clinical innovations, including the expansion of its myopia control service, while mentoring and supervising students and staff.
Zeinab’s lecture focuses on clinical assessment, providing participants with critical skills for selecting and interpreting appropriate tests to evaluate myopic patients effectively. Learning outcomes will focus on key clinical competencies, including identifying conducting cycloplegic refraction and binocular vision evaluations, interpreting ocular biometry results, identifying patient profiles that influence myopia progression, and adopting a patient-centred approach to treatment suitability and compliance.
“This course is designed to equip optometrists with the latest knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver high-quality care for myopic patients,” said Zeinab Fakih. “By focusing on clinical assessment and personalised treatment, we can better support practitioners in making informed decisions and improving outcomes for patients experiencing progressive myopia.”
Applications are now open for the October 2025 intake.
Optometrists interested in advancing their expertise in myopia management can find further information and register at: https://profession.aco.org.au/myopia-management-in-clinical-practice-short-course
