For International Optometrists · Last updated: 19 September 2026

OET for Optometrists — GOC & AHPRA Pathway

Internationally trained optometrists pursuing UK GOC or Australian AHPRA registration can apply with Grade B across all four OET sub-tests; AHPRA accepts Grade C+ in Writing. The Writing sub-test rewards plain, structured prose — not the abbreviation-dense clinical record optometrists write every day.

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Quick answer

For internationally trained optometrists, Grade B (350) in each of the four OET sub-tests is accepted for GOC (UK) and AHPRA (Australia) registration. AHPRA's minimum for Writing is Grade C+ (300); Listening, Reading and Speaking stay at Grade B. The Writing sub-test tests your ability to communicate optometric findings to a non-optometrist addressee — usually a GP or ophthalmologist — in 250 words of structured prose. Most marks are lost on Genre & Style: compressed optometric abbreviations without context.

Key takeaways for optometrists

Grades: Grade B (350) in all four sub-tests is accepted by GOC and AHPRA; AHPRA's Writing minimum is C+ (300) since 18 March 2025.
Most common letter type: Referral to ophthalmology for suspected pathology.
Top criterion lost: Genre & Style — uncontextualised abbreviations (V/A, IOP, OD/OS, refraction).
Validity: 2 years from test date.

Required OET Scores by Regulator

Regulator

Country

Required (Writing)

Combine?

GOC

United Kingdom

B (350)

Yes

AHPRA

Australia

C+ (300)

Yes, 12 months

ODOB

New Zealand

B (350)

Yes

CORU

Ireland

B (350)

Yes

The Two Letter Types Optometrists Write Most

1. Ophthalmology referral

Sent to a hospital ophthalmology team or specialist for suspected pathology — glaucoma, retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration, suspected malignancy. Tests urgency framing and selective findings.

Marking watch-out: Purpose — opening must convey urgency and provisional diagnosis, not visit history.

2. GP follow-up letter

Communication to the patient's GP about visual findings relevant to systemic health (diabetic retinopathy progression, hypertensive retinopathy) or ongoing management.

Marking watch-out: Genre & Style — adjust register and abbreviations for a non-optometrist addressee.

The Three Mistakes That Cost Optometrists Their Grade

Expand optometric abbreviations

Stop using V/A, IOP, OD/OS or refraction notation without context when writing to a GP. Expand on first use: 'intraocular pressure (IOP) 28 mmHg in the right eye'. Mapped criterion: Genre & Style.

Lead with urgency for pathology referrals

Stop opening with patient demographics on suspected retinal detachment or angle-closure cases. State 'I am referring this patient urgently for assessment of suspected [condition]' in sentence one. Mapped criterion: Purpose.

Select clinically relevant findings only

Stop including the full refraction sequence and every fundus observation. Include only findings that justify the referral question or shape the management. Mapped criterion: Conciseness & Clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which regulators accept OET for optometrists? +

The UK GOC (General Optical Council) and Australian AHPRA both accept OET. Grade B (350) in all four sub-tests is accepted by both. AHPRA's minimum for Writing is Grade C+ (300), with Listening, Reading and Speaking at Grade B, and AHPRA accepts results from two sittings within 12 months if the minimums are met in each sitting.

What letter type do optometrists write in OET? +

Optometrists most often write a referral letter to an ophthalmologist (for suspected pathology — glaucoma, retinal detachment, cataract) or a follow-up report to a GP after disease management. Case notes are eye-care-specific, including visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus findings, and management history.

Why do optometrists lose marks in OET Writing? +

The most common loss is in Genre & Style — using compressed optometric abbreviations (V/A, IOP, OD/OS, +1.50DS) without context for a non-optometrist addressee. The second most common loss is hedging the urgency cue on pathology referrals where the ophthalmology team needs to triage on the opening line.

Is OET on computer suitable for optometrists? +

Yes. OET on computer is accepted by GOC and AHPRA. The Writing sub-test format (250-word letter, case notes) is identical regardless of delivery mode.

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What examiners look for, criterion by criterion.

Send an optometry letter for correction

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