Bachelor of Optometry BOptom

Programme structure

 

• The BOptom is a five-year qualification (600 points). Part I is the first year of a Bachelor of Science, usually in Biomedical Science (or an equivalent programme of study such as the first year in Health Sciences from the University of Otago).
• In the second and third years (Parts II-III), you will take a combination of core courses in applicable life sciences, vision and optometric sciences, anatomy and physiology of vision, mechanisms of disease and optics and visual science.
• You will study general optometric practice and aspects of clinical optometry.
• In your fourth and fifth years (Parts IV-V), you will study contact lenses, paediatric optometry and binocular vision, and continue to learn about eye diseases and treatments.
• You will be required to take courses in advanced clinical optometry and undertake a research project.
• You will gain practical experience in examining and treating patients in one of our public clinics and during external placements.
• You must also include two General Education courses in your programme (30 points total). One will need to be completed prior to admission to the BOptom (during the first year of the BSc), and one the following year in Part Two of the BOptom. Your options are listed in the General Education Schedules that are approved for the BOptom programme.

Undergraduate entry

 

Option A: Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Auckland

 

• CHEM110: Chemistry of the Living World
• BIOSCI107: Biology for Biomedical Science - Cellular Processes and Development
• MEDSCI142: Biology for Biomedical Science - Organ Systems
• BIOSCI101: Essential Biology: From Genomes to Organisms
• PHYSICS160: Physics for the Life Sciences
• BIOSCI106: Foundations of Biochemistry
• POPLHLTH111: Population Health
   

Option B: University of Otago's Health Science First Year (HSFY)

 

• CHEM191: The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health
• CELS191: Cell and Molecular Biology
• PHSI191: Biological Physics
• BIOC192: Foundations of Biochemistry
• HUBS192: Human Body Systems II
• HUBS191: Human Body Systems I
• PUBH192: Foundations of Epidemiology
• Optional paper

 

Interview Ranking
If eligible, you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the core courses (in bold above). If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection. 

 

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

 

• GPA for core course: 50% 
• Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)

 

Graduate entry

 

To apply for the BOptom under the Graduate entry category, applicants must have completed a relevant degree/degrees on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic calendar year is required to be considered as full time for BOptom admission. A typical academic calendar year is 120 points.

 

Depending on your previous study you may need to undertake part or all of the First Year courses before commencing Part II. If you are required to take Part I courses, you must pass all these courses clearly within one year in order to proceed to Part II. This will be assessed as part of your application for admission.

 

Interview Ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two academic years of full time study in completed qualification/s. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

 

Final Selection Ranking

Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:

• GPA for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum overall GPA of 5.5 is required)
• Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)

2022 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,402.80 – $9,363.60

International students
NZ$57,907

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.16 per point, estimated at $1,224.00 for full-time study (150 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

 

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Where could this programme take you?

On graduation you can be accredited as a registered optometrist, able to diagnose and treat eye diseases in New Zealand and Australia. The majority of optometrists enter private practice, which offers regular hours and the freedom to choose where to live and work. Optometrists can also practise in hospitals and clinics or work in the industry or research. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

 

Jobs related to this programme

• Registered optometrist