What is Ocularistry?
Ocularistry is a highly specialised clinical skill learned through structured supervision and mentorship rather than short courses or theory alone.
Designing, fabricating, and fitting ocular prostheses requires hands-on training alongside experienced practitioners, where clinical judgement, anatomical knowledge, and technical precision are developed over time.
Like other procedural healthcare fields, these skills are refined through daily practice, ongoing feedback, and long-term experience to ensure safe, comfortable, and effective patient care.
Who We Are
The Ocularist Association of Australia was founded on 20 October, 2001 as a way to ensure a high standard of service and care for artificial eye wearers in Australia.
The members of the association agree to abide by the Code of Ethics in their everyday business, and work together with a common focus, as defined by the Mission Statement.
As an official body whose purpose is to raise the standing of Ocularists and create a better awareness of their role, the association helps define and ensure the standards of its members through peer review and interaction.
Association Professional Standards
Association membership requires:
- Completion of, or ongoing training through, a structured supervised apprenticeship with an experienced Ocularist
- Demonstration of defined clinical competencies
- Adherence to ethical and patient care standards
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Clinical competency references from ophthalmologists or relevant specialists
These standards ensure members meet recognised expectations in both technical skill and patient care.
Why Membership Matters
Ocularistry is not yet a formally regulated healthcare profession in Australia, and training pathways can vary. The Ocularist Association of Australia helps patients and referring specialists identify practitioners who have completed structured, supervised mentorship training (apprenticeship) with an Ocularist and who are committed to recognised professional standards of care.
Members of the Association are experienced Ocularists who develop advanced knowledge of ocular anatomy, socket health, and prosthesis design. They focus on long-term comfort and tissue stability, use appropriate medical-grade materials and infection-control protocols, and continue refining their skills through ongoing professional development (CPD).
As the national professional body, the Association also works toward achieving formal recognition of Ocularistry as a healthcare profession in Australia.
Our members are committed to
- Placing patient welfare first and ensuring every person receives appropriate, individualised care
- Maintaining the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to provide high-quality ocular care through ongoing education
- Supporting informed patient participation by providing clear, accurate, and understandable information
- Referring to other health professionals whenever additional expertise is needed for the patient’s benefit
- Practising in accordance with professional standards and participating in peer review when required
- Protecting patient confidentiality and using personal information only for the patient’s care
- Maintaining respectful, collaborative relationships with colleagues and other healthcare professionals
- Delivering prosthetic care that supports both natural appearance and long-term socket health
- Upholding high standards in infection control, materials, and clinical procedures
- Continually refining skills through professional development
