Qualifications and Universities
Admission to optometry school is competitive. Prerequisite subjects including English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology are normally required. To be accepted for undergraduate optometry studies, you will need an entry score above 85 in most universities.
The undergraduate degree Bachelor of Optometry is a 5 year fulltime course. While there is no official work experience year, the final year of undergraduate studies is very clinically based. The universities recognised as leaders in Optometry are University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne and Queensland University of Technology.
To practice as an optometrist, it is a legal requirement for graduates to be registered with the Optometrists’ Registration Board of the state or territory in which they intend to work. Postgraduate qualifications include a Doctor of Optometry degree which requires the completion of a 4 year programme at an accredited optometry school. An increasing number of optometrists hold a higher degree. All optometrists are required to undergo annual continuing education to maintain registration.
The entry criteria for tertiary institiutions differs from year to year. The above comments are a guide only. To gain specific entry criteria either contact the relevant university or use Hobson's The Good University Guide.
Relevant Universities Colleges & TAFE
Careernav have trolled through all the universities, specialist colleges and TAFE’s across the nation to identify those courses we consider relevant to this career. We have only focussed on the core single degree and its full time period. We acknowledge many combination degrees are available and different students combine different degrees. Course names also differ by university and we have grouped like courses together. We may have missed the odd course being offered, so we recommend for a more detailed guide check with the universities direct or one of the university course guide books such as Hobson’s. Please note Careernav are totally impartial and do not recommend one tertiary institution over another. To view the A to Z of tertiary institutions that offer relevant courses for this career.
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About the Author
Katie Chisnall
My name is Katie Chisnall and i have been working as an Optometrist for 4.5 years. I studied a 5 year Bachelor of Optometry at Melbourne University. I currently work for OPSM between 2 stores in the Inner suburbs of Melbourne.
Did you know we actually do not see with our eyes – we see with our brain and our eyes are basically the cameras of the brain?