Practitioner Training
ANBO training provides a structured pathway from foundational neurodevelopmental optometric skills to advanced clinical expertise.
Core curriculum
To obtain accredited status the core curriculum is made up of 3 modules; OVT 1, 2 and 3:
OVT 1: An Introduction to Neuro-developmental Optometry
Developed and refined over thirty years, this course covers the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of non-strabismic binocular visual disorders and provides the foundations for further learning in behavioural optometry.
The course has been revised and updated for hybrid delivery and is structured so that the 25+ hours of online theory videos are supported with in-person practical study days, practical assignments and mentorship. Enrollment in this course includes essential equipment to get your started, ANBO and GOC CPD points and a year of standard ANBO membership.
CONTENT INCLUDES:
- Introduction to Neurodevelopmental Optometry
- The role of vision in child development
- Vision therapy principles and Practice
- Diagnosis and Treatment of accommodation problems
- Understanding Binocular vision
- Assessing and treating Fusional Vergence
- Assessing and Treating oculomotor dysfunctions.
- Near point retinoscopy and therapeutic prescribing
- Visual Performance Exam
OVT 2: The Nuts and Bolts of Optometric Vision Therapy
For optometrists and therapists who have attended OVT1 (or equivalent), OVT2 is a three-day in-person course that has a heavy emphasis on practical skills.
The course expands on the further understanding of the neurodevelopmental approach to vision care and introduces the concept of therapeutic prescribing.
You will gain access to over 25 vision therapy activities and understand how to appropriately load the exercises for the individual. This will help you develop the confidence to manage most non-strabismic binocular visual disorders.
There will be enough flexibility in the course timings to enable the course to go at your own pace and to answer many of the questions you may have about how to apply the techniques, including case planning, programming and administration of therapy in practice.
OVT 3: Vision and Learning
For optometrists and therapists who have attended OVT1 (or equivalent), OVT3 is a three day in-person course.
This module explores the relationship between visual function and educational performance, equipping practitioners with the knowledge and clinical skills required to assess learning-related visual difficulties and identify visual factors that may impact academic activities.
Participants will learn how to evaluate the visual demands of reading and learning, differentiate between visual dysfunction and other potential contributing factors, and determine appropriate management strategies for patients presenting with learning-related visual symptoms.
Assessment procedures covered include a range of validated clinical tests designed to evaluate visual tracking, visual perception, visual attention, visual memory, visual processing and visual integration.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- The visual demands of reading and learning
- Functional assessment of visual tracking, timing and sequencing
- Visual perception and visual-motor integration
- Visual attention and reading efficiency
- The relationship between laterality, directionality and vision
- The relationship between visualisation, visual imagery, and spelling will be discussed.
- Evidence-informed management of learning-related visual difficulties
- Communication with parents, educators and multidisciplinary teams
Start Your Journey Today
Advanced Training
These courses are not mandatory, but they are recommended for the full scope provision of care.
OVT 4: Strabismus and Amblyopia
This course draws on the substantial body of evidence generated by the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) and other key clinical studies to explore contemporary management strategies for strabismus and amblyopia. Emphasising the binocular nature of these conditions, participants will review evidence-based treatment approaches that may complement or, in selected cases, reduce reliance on traditional interventions such as patching and surgery.
The course has been revised and updated for hybrid delivery and is structured so that the 25+ hours of online theory videos are supported with in-person practical study day.
CONTENT INCLUDES:
- Amblyopia and The Critical Period redefined
- Adaptations of Binocular Vision
- Causes and Risk factors
- Occlusion Therapies
- Visual Performance Exam
- Prescribing for binocular balance
- Equalising monocular skills
- The role of prism training
- Monocular Fixation in a Binocular Field (MFBF)
- Dichoptic training
- Simultaneous Perception
- Flat fusion
- Stereopsis
Neuro-optometric Rehabilitation
In recent years ANBO have collaborated with Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) to deliver this multi-disciplinary training.
There are three levels of Clinical Skills Curriculum.
Become A Neuro-Developmental Optometrist.
Enhance your practice through advanced training in functional vision