Registering as an optometrist

To practise as an optometrist in Aotearoa New Zealand you must be registered with the Optometrists & Dispensing Opticians Board of New Zealand (ODOB). The OBOD has set standards and guidelines for clinical competence which should be read in conjunction with the Gazetted Optometrist Scopes of Practices.

Optometrists will be required to meet the ODOB’s recertification requirements.

On this page: Optometry scopes | How to register | Application tips

Optometry scopes of practices

There are two Optometrist Scopes of Practices. You are register for:

Optometrist
Provisional optometrist

Please read our Scopes of Practice so you understand the scope of practice you are registering for, and the prescribed qualifications required.

If you hold a prescribed qualification within one of these scopes of practices, you can apply for registration. Our Scopes of Practice page explains the prescribed qualifications required for each scope of practice.

Each registration pathway lists accredited programmes leading to registration in a specific scope of practice. See if your qualification allows for direct registration (see Registration pathways 1 to 4).

Registration pathway

If your primary qualification is not listed as a prescribed qualification for the scope you want to apply for, please contact our office for advice at registrations@odob.health.nz.

How to register

Submit your registration application with supporting documentation.
Pay the registration fee.

Complete your registration form:

Complete the online application linked below if you:

are a new graduate from a New Zealand or Australian institute accredited by the Board and have never been registered before in Aotearoa New Zealand or Australia
have passed the Competence in Optometry Examination administered by Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ)
are applying for registration as an optometrist working specifically in an educational institution.

General Registration Application

For applicants registered in Australia:

If you are currently registered as an optometrist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), you are eligible to apply for registration under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA).

Complete the online application linked below if you are currently registered as an optometrist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).