Career Pathways

Become an optometrist

An entry to practice degree for registration as an optometrist in Australia and New Zealand

How long will it take?

3 years Bachelor degree
Add
4 years Doctor of Optometry

Why study with us?

Learn a dynamic and challenging healthcare specialisation that trains you to examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system and the eyes.

Start with a Bachelor of Biomedicine or a Bachelor of Science and study biological sciences, then complete the Doctor of Optometry to qualify as a professionally accredited optometrist.

Career outcomes

Career outcomes

The Doctor of Optometry will give you comprehensive theoretical and clinical skills with the opportunity to undertake clinical training at metropolitan, rural and overseas sites as part of their final year of study.

The Doctor of Optometry satisfies the legislative requirements that permit students to register as optometrists in all states and territories of Australia and in New Zealand. The qualification also affords the opportunity, either with or without further study and examination, to register to practice in other countries around the world.

Professional accreditation

  • The Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).

What are the study options?

Standard entry

1. Undergraduate degree

First you must meet the entry requirements for your undergraduate degree.

2. Graduate degree

The Doctor of Optometry also has specific prerequisite and grade entry requirements to be considered for entry. Specifically, you must complete three subjects from one of more relevant biological science disciplines at a second and third year level. Students applying for standard entry must also complete the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).

Other entry pathways

Graduate Degree Packages

The University also offers guaranteed entry to high–achieving domestic and international students who have completed an Australian Year 12 or the IB in Australia based on your ATAR.

Discover more about Graduate Degree Packages

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars are guaranteed a place into the graduate degree of their choice following successful completion of their undergraduate degree.

Discover more about Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholars

Scholarships

The University offers a range of scholarships at both undergraduate and graduate level.

Find a scholarship that's right for you

Guaranteed entry

Guaranteed entry means you’ll have the peace of mind of a secure graduate pathway with us without having to make any big decisions from Year 12. You will also be able to leave Melbourne with an undergraduate qualification if you decide further study isn’t right for you.

Discover more about guaranteed entry

Looking for personalised advice?

Find out more about our graduate degrees and get support with your application. Speak to our expert staff online, via phone or at an upcoming event. You can also register to learn more about your course options and opportunities via email.

Why study at the University of Melbourne

A meaningful career

A meaningful career

Make a difference to people’s lives from day one with hands-on learning and clinical placements at leading health organisations.

Taught by leading experts

Taught by leading experts

Learn from academics doing groundbreaking research across health fields.

Placement opportunities

Placement opportunities

The opportunity to undertake clinical training at metropolitan, rural and overseas sites as part of their final year of study.