Overview

Flinders’ Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science)/Master of Optometry prepares students for a rewarding career in optometry in a high-quality learning environment.  You will receive a grounding in the fundamentals of science with an emphasis on vision science, where you will study the visual system and factors that influence sight, in preparation for intensive study and clinical experience in optometry.

Taught by award-winning lecturers in state-of-the-art facilities, Flinders’ research in optometry ranked well above world standard (2015 Excellence in Research Australia rankings).  The program features unique topics including ophthalmology, communication for the consulting room, and a business intensive module

The overall aim of the double degree is to prepare the graduate for beginning clinical practice as an optometrist in a range of urban, rural and remote settings; to be a well-informed health professional; and to acquire critical skills in appraising scientific and clinical information.  In addition the course is designed to produce graduates who as medical scientists are specialists in the area of vision science and possess well-developed skills to undertake a range of careers within the medical sciences.  Students also gain the specialist knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes necessary to be registered by the Optometry Board of Australia as an optometrist.

What You Will Study

Example of typical study program:

First year: science topics in physics for the health sciences, evolution of biological diversity, the molecular basis of life, chemistry for the life sciences, chemical structure and bonding or general chemistry

Second year: medical science topics in biochemistry, human molecular genetics, human physiology, fundamental neuroscience, human immunology and infectious diseases

Third year: topics in pathophysiology, principles of pharmacology and toxicology, ocular pharmacology and therapeutics, knowledge of health and illness for optometrists, ocular anatomy and histology, clinical skills, normal eye and vision

Fourth and Fifth year: core topics in knowledge of health and illness for optometrists, ophthalmology, clinical skills for optometrists and optometry

The degree provides you with practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.

• Complete diverse urban and rural clinical placements.
• Nurture and enhance your interest in an expert area, such as contact lenses or pediatric optometry, through clinical placements and research topics.

Upon graduating the double degree students are expected to be able to:

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of the fundamental science underpinning the fields of medical science and their science discipline and have a range of transferable professional skills
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of the factors that influence sight and the visual system
• undertake basic medical research utilizing specialist skills and knowledge in at least one major area of science
• contribute to developing and/or evaluating new treatments and strategies for health problems by employing specialist skills in a major area of science; and appreciate the cross-disciplinary nature of the medical sciences and work, as appropriate, with other health professionals
• select and perform common diagnostic and therapeutic optometric procedures
• identify and treat eye dysfunction and diseases within the scope of optometric therapeutic practice
• communicate clearly and effectively with patients and other health professionals
• meet the registration requirements of the Optometry Board of Australia

Entry Requirements

• High School entry requirements:  ATAR 95
• Prerequisites: None
• Assumed knowledge:  Chemistry, Math, Physics
• University entry requirements: assessed on individual basis
• Must meet English language requirements

Students who fulfil the requirements of the Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science) award according to the course rule, and have a GPA of no less than 5 in the 2nd and 3rd year topics completed, will be permitted to progress to the Master of Optometry.

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

Deakin’s Optometry program 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.