Doctor of Optometry

Degree structure
Students must complete 400 credit points over the 4-year program. These 400 points of credit are accumulated from a compulsory series of six core subjects totalling 100 points per year.

 

Year 1

• Integrated Ophthalmic Sciences
• Preclinical Optometry
• Preclinical Optometry Refresher

 

Year 2

• Applied Clinical Training
• Research Studies in Vision and Optometry

 

Year 3

• Applied Clinical Training

 

Year 4

• Optometry Internship

 

 

 

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed

• An undergraduate degree in any discipline, with studies to have been completed within 10 years of commencing the Doctor of Optometry.
• For applicants whose most recently completed undergraduate degree was completed 10 or more years before January 1st of the year in which the applicant intends to commence the Doctor of Optometry, a Graduate Diploma, Master or PhD degree, or equivalent, completed within 10 years of commencing the Doctor of Optometry
• Three subjects at level 2 or level 3 (or equivalent) from one or more relevant biological science disciplines with subjects to have been completed within 10 years of commencing the Doctor of Optometry.
• One of either the GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test), the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) or the OAT (Optometry Admission Test (USA)), no more than two years before the date of commencement of the Doctor of Optometry.

Indicative first year fee
AUD$48,576

Indicative total course fee
AUD$209,368

As a graduate of the Doctor of Optometry, you can take advantage of high employment rates, no matter the pathway you choose to pursue.

 

Most graduates of this course find employment through their final year of clinical placement. With an outstanding reputation for excellence in the field of optometry, the University of Melbourne has a vibrant placement relationship with private and corporate practices alike.

 

While many students choose to become community-based practitioners post-graduation, there are other career opportunities open in the field of optometry, including:

• Further academic research
• Public health
• Public health policy.

If you have rural or community-focused practice in mind, this degree will provide you with plenty of opportunities to pursue some of the most interesting and remote placements.