OA Membership Categories and Criteria

OA values members and their commitment to the association.

Please note that the fees stated below are inclusive of GST and for 2025-2026 (to 30 June 2026) membership year; for all categories EXCEPT Student, a joining fee of $55.00 (inclusive of GST) applies.

OA distinguishes between those registered with the Australian Orthoptic Board and those who aren't. When joining, please ensure you select the correct category.

If you are ready to Join OA please sign up here.

 

Voting Categories

Criteria

Ordinary Members:

Voting rights with full access to membership benefits

Ordinary

A graduate of an entry-level orthoptic course of a recognised Australian institution or hold a certificate of general registration with the registering body (Australian Orthoptic Board) for orthoptists in Australia, or

A graduate of an overseas orthoptic or other relevant training school wishing to practice within Australia and are granted registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board.

$495 inclusive of GST

Ordinary: Part-time 

Ordinary members who satisfy all criteria for Ordinary membership above and are presently working less than sixteen (16) hours per week are eligible for the reduced rate.

$335 inclusive of GST

Ordinary: Supported

Ordinary members who satisfy all criteria for Ordinary membership above and provide appropriate evidence that they satisfy one of the following criteria are eligible for the reduced rate:

  • on planned parental leave for a period of more than six months, OR
  • enrolled in a full-time postgraduate study in orthoptics (Master by research or Doctoral degree only) and are not engaged in eye health related employment for more than an average of 16 hours per week, OR
  • a non-practising practitioner (retired, career break, sabbatical, unemployment or overseas travel) for a period of more than six months

$287.50 inclusive of GST (50% of Ordinary fee) - contact OA Admin to enquire about your eligibility

Graduate

Voting rights with full access to membership benefits

 

Graduate – Year 1 / Year 2

Available to applicants who can provide proof that they have graduated from a recognised qualification within the last one year (Graduated Year 1) or two years (Graduate Year 2) from the date of joining / renewal.

Can demonstrate at the time of joining or renewing that they have graduated from an entry level orthoptic course of an Australian institution recognised by OA (see Clause 3) within the last one year (Graduated Year 1) or two years (Graduate Year 2).

Graduate Year 1 $99 inclusive of GST

Graduate Year 2 $320 inclusive of GST

Fellow Members

Voting rights with full access to membership benefits

 

Fellow Members – Practising

Have previously held voting membership of OA as an Ordinary Member

Are working in eye health related employment in Australia for the ensuing period of twelve (12) months or longer

Significant contribution to the development of OA and the advancement of the orthoptic profession

Demonstrated performance and dedication to OA via a committee or representative position, or the profession

Demonstrated support and mentoring of OA members

Personal conduct that reflects the values of OA.

$495 inclusive of GST - NB: A discount of 75% is offered to these members on renewal.

Fellow Members – non-practising

Have previously held voting membership of OA as an Ordinary Member

Are not working in eye health related employment in Australia for the ensuing period of twelve (12) months or longer

No fee applies

Non-voting categories

Criteria

Student

Access to membership benefits other than voting rights

Student

Available to applicants who can provide proof of current enrolment in a recognised qualification; be sure to have a digital file proving you are studying available to upload when you apply.

*Students must apply using their person email as the Primary email address. Students may only use their student email as the Secondary email address on their application.

No fee applies

Honorary

Non-voting rights with full access to membership benefits

Honorary

Any voting member of the OA may nominate a person to be considered for Honorary membership. Nominations must be in writing, seconded by another voting member of OA and be addressed to the President. Applications should outline the reasons why the person is suitable including details that the nominee meets the following criteria: − Demonstrated commitment and significant contribution to OA, the orthoptic profession or eye healthcare − Personal conduct that reflects the values of OA.

No fee applies

Associate

Access to membership benefits other than voting rights

Associate

Orthoptists who are not engaging in eye health related employment in Australia for the ensuing period of twelve (12) months or longer and for overseas-trained orthoptists who hold registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board and orthoptists that have graduated from an orthoptic school/ discipline in Australia.

Associate $202.00 inclusive of GST

 

Associate Overseas

Orthoptists who are not engaging in eye health related employment in Australia for the ensuing period of twelve (12) months or longer and for overseas-trained orthoptists who hold registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board and orthoptists that have graduated from an orthoptic school/ discipline in Australia and are currently residing overseas. 

Associate Overseas $202.00 

 

Associate Ophthalmology – Resident / Non-resident

Can demonstrate that they are a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists or equivalent international body.

Australian Resident  $180 inclusive of GST

For assistance or more information please contact the OA Office on +61 3 9586 6080 or email us at office@orthoptics.org.au.