Graduate with a professional qualification in optometry in just three and a half years with Deakin's Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry. Gain the discipline-specific knowledge and skills to be work-ready and eligible to apply for registration as a practising optometrist in Australia and New Zealand. This program has a strong emphasis on understanding the visual health issues that impact regional and rural Australia, particularly those contributing to the health gap between members of these communities and those living in urban centres.

You will develop crucial skills in the clinical assessment, treatment and management of eye and vision disorders, with strong foundations in evidence-based and reflective practice, inter-professional collaborative practice and practice management. Clinical placements are also a big focus – you will complete a variety of short-term industry placements and spend the final six months of the course as a student resident.

Course structure:

To complete the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry students must attain 40 credit points. This is an accelerated three and a half year course delivered over ten consecutive trimesters commencing in Trimester 1. All the units in the course are core (these are compulsory).

Students must pass all first year units, or be granted Recognition of Prior Learning for these units, before proceeding to second year.

Due to the integrated nature of the curriculum and assessment, and the requirements of the external accrediting body, from Year 2 onwards, students must pass all units in a given trimester prior to proceeding to the next trimester. Any student who fails to meet this requirement will need to intermit until the next offering of the unit, which will usually be in a period of two trimesters.

To support student reintegration to the course after a period of intermission, students will be required to demonstrate that they have maintained skills and knowledge at a level required to practice safely. To support students in doing this, non-award units will be offered in the trimester preceding re-entry to the course. Please contact your course advisor for assistance.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).

Career outcomes:

Deakin optometry graduates are well prepared for employment in a diverse range of work settings, including:

clinics

corporate and community settings

health services

hospitals

non-government organisations

private practice

research institutes

state and local governments

tertiary education institutions.

Career opportunities for qualified optometrists include:

practice ownership

private and public eye care

research and education

recognised specialties within optometry such as:

myopia control

dry eye management

low vision

paediatric vision.

As well as pursuing a career in optometry, this course could lead you towards a number of other rewarding careers, including:

ophthalmic practice business owner

spectacle retailer

not-for-profit campaigner

visual simulator designer.