The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) will sell its ageing headquarters in Carlton, Melbourne, and relocate to be closer to the patients it cares for and its partners.

The ACO said funds will be reinvested in a more suitable and fit-for-purpose premises within Melbourne’s city fringe, enabling the organisation to continue providing quality eye care to Melbourne’s most “vulnerable and complex patients”.

ACO CEO Pete Haydon said the decision to sell, which has been welcomed by ACO optometrists and stakeholders, followed many years of consideration and analysis.

Once a full-time undergraduate education facility, the ACO now provides eye care services for vulnerable members of the community, clinical placements for Australian optometry students, targeted professional development, and research that aligns with the ACO’s public health mission.

“We no longer need the extensive teaching, education, or laboratory spaces we once did, and these areas have proven difficult to repurpose, leaving many of them unused, deteriorating, and very costly to maintain.

“Today, we stand as leaders in public health eye care, clinical research and education, but our headquarters has not kept pace. Moving our primary clinical and administrative headquarters will ensure our continued relevance and sustainability,” said Mr Haydon.

HONOURING THE PAST, PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

An independent Victorian Eyecare Service (VES) review conducted in 2024 clearly outlined where ACO patients were, the importance of locating close to them to deliver quality care, and the need to expand satellite clinic rooms and outreach services – initiatives the organisation was actively advancing.

“Reinvesting in a modern premises is a practical step to secure our future – helping us deliver lasting impact, support our communities, and strengthen clinical care, research, and education for generations to come,” said Mr Haydon.

“We acknowledge the significance that our headquarters holds for many in the profession who began their careers at ACO when we were a full-time training facility… We will continue to honour where we’ve come from, while responding to the changing needs of our patients and the profession.”

A two- to fiveyear timeframe has been put on the building sale and relocation.