Overview

Deakin offers Australia’s first accelerated optometry course, which means you can graduate and begin your career in just three and a half years.  The Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry program will give you a comprehensive understanding of the practice of optometry, with strong foundations in science, inter-professional health practice, commercial awareness and practice management.  Learn how to manage the health and function of the eyes and visual system, and to diagnose and manage a range of ocular conditions.

During the first three years of the program, you will be based at the Regional and Community Health Hub (REACH) facility at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, which includes a fully-equipped clinical skills laboratory and a full-scale optometry practice that allows for simulation-based learning, examinations and research.

You will gain the discipline-specific knowledge and skills to be work-ready and practice as an optometrist in Australia and New Zealand, as well as learn about the broader effects that visual health has on society.

What You Will Study

You will investigate the structure and function of the visual system while learning about various visual health issues and their wider impact on the local and international community. Gain crucial skills in the clinical assessment, treatment and management of eye and vision disorders, as well as forming a strong understanding of the ethical, legal and professional standards of practice.

Clinical placements are a big focus of this program. You will take part in a variety of short-term industry placements from your first year, and spend the final six months of the course as a student resident in one of a range of clinical optometric and medical settings.

These extensive rotations take place in both metropolitan and regional or rural settings, where you’ll consolidate your knowledge and skills under the supervision of qualified optometrists.  The course has been developed to provide students with opportunities to practice optometry (under supervision) in a variety of contexts. In keeping the Deakin Optometry’s commitment to improving rural eye care delivery, students will spend at least three months of their extended residential placement in a regional, rural or remote location to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities when attempting to access eye care.

As well as equipping you to diagnose and manage ocular conditions, this unique combined degree has a strong emphasis on the underlying social and environmental factors that contribute to the health gap between regional communities and urban populations, ensuring you graduate with a well-rounded understanding of the field of optometry.

Entry Requirements

• High School entry requirements: assessed per province
• University entry requirements: 1 year full time study WAM 70%.  With completed undergrad degree may be eligible for RPL (course outlines/syllabus will be required)
• Resume/CV outlining Educational and Employment history (if any)
• Must meet English language requirements

Please note: meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.

Professional Recognition

Students who successfully complete H710 Master of Optometry can apply for registration to practice as an optometrist in Australia. Completion of the Bachelor of Vision Science alone does not meet the registration requirements for professional practice as an optometrist and must be completed in combination with Deakin’s Master of Optometry (or equivalent program).

Deakin Optometry has been awarded ‘accreditation with conditions’ by the Optometry Board of Australia, following assessment by the Optometry Council of Australia.

Students wishing to license as an Optometrist in Canada should contact the optometric regulator in the province or territory in which they are interested to determine if they are eligible without further studies in Canada.