Optometrist
ANZSCO 251411 (MLTSSL) — eligible for independent Subclass 189 and state-nominated 190/491 visas.
Australia PR · Skills assessment guide
Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) Guide
The Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) assesses overseas qualified Optometrists (ANZSCO 251411). MovesEdu guides international optometrists through credential verification and competency examinations.
Please note: MovesEdu is a private immigration consultancy. OCANZ conducts independent professional competency evaluations.
Section 01
What is OCANZ?
OCANZ is appointed by the Optometry Board of Australia to assess overseas optometrists seeking migration and registration.
Therapeutic Endorsement
Modern Australian practice requires optometrists to be qualified to prescribe ocular therapeutic drugs.
Competency Exams
Requires passing the OCANZ written examination and clinical examination.
High Earning Potential
Substantial professional opportunities in regional Australia and metropolitan optical practices.
Assessment criteria, occupation lists and requirements are set by Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand and the Australian Government and are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements on the official website before applying.
Section 02
What OCANZ assesses
OCANZ Assessment Pathways
Assessment Stages
| Stage | Focus |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Eligibility | |
| Stage 2: Written Examination | |
| Stage 3: Clinical Examination |
Indicative only. Your eligibility depends on your specific qualification, role and years of experience matched against the current ANZSCO occupation description.
Section 03
Who can apply?
Requires a primary optometry degree equivalent to an Australian Bachelor or Master degree.
Degree Standard: Minimum 4-year degree in Optometry from a recognized university.
Ocular Therapeutics: Training in ocular therapeutics is mandatory for full registration.
English Requirement: IELTS Academic 7.5 (no band below 7.0) or OET Grade B in all sub-tests.
Section 04
Required documents checklist
Document requirements vary by occupation and individual profile. A personalised checklist is prepared after a professional profile review.
- Passport certified copy
- Optometry degree certificate and academic transcripts
- Course syllabus detailing clinical training hours
- Current optometry license / registration
- Certificate of Good Standing
- English test results
Section 05
The assessment process, step by step
How a OCANZ application moves from profile review to outcome.
- 01
Eligibility Assessment
Submit credentials to OCANZ for exam eligibility.
- 02
Written Exam
Pass the OCANZ written examination.
- 03
Clinical Exam
Complete the practical clinical exam in Melbourne.
- 04
Skills Certificate
Receive positive outcome letter for General Skilled Migration.
Section 06
Processing time
Initial eligibility check: 4–6 weeks. Full exam process: 12–18 months.
Section 07
Fees
Published OCANZ rates, as at July 2026. Figures exclude visa charges and MovesEdu professional service fees.
OCANZ Fees (AUD)
| Item | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Assessment | $650 AUD |
| Written Examination | $2,100 AUD |
| Clinical Examination | $4,200 AUD |
Fees are subject to change without notice — always confirm current fees on www.ocanz.org before applying.
Section 08
Common reasons for a negative outcome
A negative or partial result can significantly affect your points score and visa eligibility — which is why accurate preparation from the outset matters.
- Degree duration less than 4 full-time academic years
- Absence of supervised clinical patient examinations
Section 09
Why choose MovesEdu Immigration?
MovesEdu coordinates migration strategy while candidates prepare for OCANZ examinations.
Optometry Migration Roadmap: Aligning exam sittings with visa points cycles
Regional Nomination Strategy: Leveraging optometrist shortages across Regional Australia
MovesEdu Immigration is an independent migration consultancy. We are not Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand, the Department of Home Affairs, or any Australian government body, and we do not determine or influence assessment outcomes.
Section 10 · Frequently asked questions
OCANZ, answered.
Yes. Home Affairs requires a complete, positive skills assessment outcome certificate before an EOI can be validly submitted.
Keep exploring
Other Australian assessing authorities
Your assessing body is determined by your nominated ANZSCO occupation.
Get your OCANZ assessment right, the first time.
A OCANZ skills assessment is a critical foundation for your Australian PR application — and getting it right the first time saves you time, money and uncertainty.
MovesEdu is a private migration advisory firm. We are not a government body; all final decisions rest with Australian and Canadian immigration authorities.