Bachelor of Optometry
Optometry is a primary health care profession that helps people who have visual problems. The practice of optometry involves the diagnosis and treatment of dysfunctions of the eye and vision.
The Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) is a five-year degree reflecting the scope of practice of optometry legislated by the Victorian State Government. In Victoria, optometry practice covers therapeutic treatment of ocular disease, requiring additional training compared with programs in other states. The University of Melbourne was the first optometry school in Australia to offer a Bachelor of Optometry program that encompasses therapeutic management of ocular disease. Other states have either passed or are in the process of considering similar legislation to Victoria, ensuring that Melbourne graduates will be ideally placed to lead the way in future optometry practice.
Graduates are entitled to practice optometry in all states and territories of Australia and New Zealand. The qualification is accepted in several Asian countries including Malaysia and Singapore. Graduates can obtain registration in the United Kingdom after completing a pre-registration year of supervised clinical practice and passing the professional examinations at the end of that year. Recognition in other countries can be confirmed by checking with the relevant government authority.
Clinical work
Students attend clinics to look after patients under the supervision of clinical instructors towards the end of third year, most of fourth year and all of fifth year. Students attend a range of clinics encompassing general optometry, contact lens, paediatric, geriatric, and low vision patients. Much of this clinical training will occur in one of the Department's specialist training facilities, including a state-of-the-art Optometry Practice which services the University community. Students will also spend time in clinics at the Victorian College of Optometry, the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and the Alfred Hospital, as well as visit private optometry and ophthalmology practices in Melbourne and country Victoria. Students also complete an overseas externship in their final year.
Optometry: transitioning to the Melbourne Model
As the University moves to the Melbourne Model, the current undergraduate optometry degree (the Bachelor of Optometry) will be phased out to be replaced by a new postgraduate degree which will begin in 2011 (subject to approval).
The timeline for change is:
| 2009 | final intake for school leavers in the Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) |
|---|---|
| 2010 | no intake |
| 2011 | first intake into the Doctor of Optometry |
Entry requirements
Local students
VCEStudents need to complete Units 3 and 4 with the following pre-requisites:
- at least 25 in English/English Language/Literature or at least 30 in ESL, and
- at least 25 in Mathematical Methods (either) and Chemistry, and
- in one of Biology, an additional mathematics or Physics.
Selection is based on ENTER (96 or higher required) or equivalent, and performance in the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT).
Qualifications other than VCEStudents with qualifications other than VCE may:
- search for pre-requisites by checking the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Optometry, and/or
- contact the Science Student Centre for assistance.
International students
Students may:
- search for pre-requisites by checking the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Optometry, and/or
- contact the Science Student Centre for assistance.
International students are exempt from the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) unless they are applying for permanent residency.
How to apply
Later year entry
Applications for later year entry are now open. Please visit the Optometry: transitioning to the Melbourne Model web page for more information.
Note: there will be limited places available. All applicants must have completed study equivalent to the first year of the course for second year entry, and the first & second year of the course for third year entry (Handbook: 785-BB). For more detail about later year entry, please contact the Science Student Centre.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Bachelor of Optometry gain an expert understanding of vision and optics. They may pursue careers in the optical industry or in research in the vision and optical sciences. Most optometry graduates embark on the clinical practice of optometry after completing their course. A few graduates immediately commence their own practice but most prefer to obtain further clinical experience by working in an established practice or in a public clinic.
Some graduates choose to pursue a career in research and teaching in an optometry school or a research career in a research institute. Others follow a career in the optical industry in research and development or as a technical consultant.
As the number of graduates in optometry is closely related to community need, most qualifying students obtain positions immediately on graduation or shortly after. In particular, the recent changes in legislation allowing optometrists to therapeutically treat ocular disease are likely to ensure that suitably qualified graduates from this course are in high demand. Employment prospects are especially good in rural areas and in those states where there is no optometry school.
There are also diverse opportunities for further study in optometry via Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry, Master of Philosophy – Science and Ph.D. – Science.
Costs
- Course tuition fees
- Additional costs: Throughout the duration of the course, students will be advised to purchase certain reading materials, a white lab and clinician coat. Students will also be strongly advised to purchase ophthalmic equipment prior to the commencement of the third year of the course. The approximate cost of this equipment is between $4,000–$5,000 (students will be able to continue to use this equipment in practice post-graduation).
Further information
For more information about the Bachelor of Optometry, please contact the Science Student Centre.