Overview

The Bachelor of Vision Science at Canberra has been developed with academics, practitioners and representatives from international optometry companies.  During your degree you will develop foundation knowledge and skills in the biomedical sciences with a specific focus on optical and vision sciences. You will also broaden your skills in business and management related areas should you choose to explore private practice. In your final year you will enroll in the work-integrated unit Integrated Eye Care and Ocular Therapeutics. This unit incorporates a significant component of industry experience and includes clinical and non-clinical placements designed to observe the latest vision science industry projects and optometric practice in progress. On graduating from this undergraduate degree you will be eligible for entry into a Master of Optometry.

Canberra’s Master of Optometry will provide students with advanced knowledge, clinical skills and professional attributes related to the optometry profession.  The course will incorporate the latest research and technology, as it will be developed by a group comprising academics, practitioners and representatives from international optometry companies and independents. The clinical practice placements are an essential component of the program and are assessed.

What You Will Study

Graduates of the Bachelor of Vision Science will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental sciences underpinning health, optical and vision sciences
• Perform common optical and visual diagnostic assessments
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the dysfunctions and diseases of the eye
• Demonstrate an awareness of the inter-disciplinary nature of health practitioners and health professions
• Demonstrate awareness of and respect for individual human rights and cultural and social diversity

Graduates of the Master of Optometry will:

• Be able to demonstrate the requisite knowledge for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics
• Be able to demonstrate the requisite skills for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics
• Be able to demonstrate the professional attributes necessary for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics
• Have the expertise and skills to critique, synthesize and apply evidence from research and science to inform optometric practice
• Demonstrate an awareness of the inter-professional nature of the health profession and its diverse cultural and social setting

Entry Requirements

High School entry requirements:

• entry into bachelor program requires ATAR 85
• Prerequisites:  none
• Assumed Knowledge:  Chemistry, Math and Physics (or equivalent)

University entry requirements:

• assessed on individual basis
• Must meet English language requirements

The Master of Optometry course is only open to students who have completed the Bachelor of Vision Science (372JA) at the University of Canberra.

Applicants who are studying a Bachelor of Vision Science from another institution are encouraged to apply for admission into the Bachelor of Vision Science (372JA) at UC to become eligible for the Masters. These applicants are eligible to apply for consideration of credit towards a UC Bachelor of Vision Science (in accordance with UC’s credit policy and procedure) to reduce the duration of this course.

Admission to this course is competitive. Applications will be assessed on the basis of academic merit and the number of available places.

Professional Recognition

This course is accredited with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) until April 2023.  Successful completion of both the Bachelor of Vision Science AND the Master of Optometry course at the University of Canberra will allow graduates the chance to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia to practice as an optometrist.

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 courses in Canada.