Bachelor of Optometry/Bachelor of Science - University of New South Wales

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Program code: 3952
Faculty: Science
Min. years: 5 years
UOC (per year/total): 48/240
Semester 2 entry: No
Est. first year tuition: A$24,960
Est. fee to complete: A$148,520 (includes equipment costs of about $6,000)
Assumed knowledge: Maths and Science*

What is Optometry?

The School of Optometry and Vision Science offers a fi ve-year full-time combined BOptom BSc program. Graduates of this program will be able to register as an optometrist in Australia. The degree is also recognised in New Zealand and in most parts of Asia. Job opportunities in this field are excellent and are expected to remain excellent given the high visual demands in the modern computer-based workplace, and the aging population in Australia.

Program Description

Optometry combines the theoretical discipline of vision science with the clinical art of primary eye care. Vision science includes the optics of lenses, the physiology of the eye, the psychophysics of vision and the neuroscience of the brain. Optometry includes the diagnosis and management of ocular disease, the dispensing of spectacles and contact lenses, the management of people with special needs (children, low vision), sports vision and vision in the workplace.

An innovative feature of this program is its alternate entry mechanism. Students who do not achieve direct entry into the Optometry program may be eligible for a transfer position.

Assumed Knowledge

The BOptom BSc program assumes that students entering the program have a strong ability in English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths (at
least 2 Unit Maths with grade of greater than 60%). Bridging Courses are available to students entering UNSW.

Program Structure

STAGE 1
Molecules, Cells and Genes, Higher Chemistry 1C, Biological Chemistry for Optometry, Mathematics 1A, Physics 1A, Vision Science 1, Optics 1, Elective

– choose one of the following: Evolutionary and Functional Biology, Psychology 1B
STAGE 2
Optometry 2A, Optometry 2B, Physiology 1A, Physiology 1B, Vision Science 2A, Optics and the Eye, Vision Science 2B, Introduction to Ocular Disease
STAGE 3
Optometry 3A, Ocular Disease 3A, Optometry 3B, Ocular Disease 3B, Pharmacology for Optometry, Vision Science 3A, Vision Science 3B, General Education courses
STAGE 4
Data analysis for Optometry, Principles of Medicine for Optometry Students, Optometry 4A, Clinical Optometry 4A, Ocular Therapeutics 4A, Professional Optometry 4A, Optometry 4B, Clinical Optometry 4B, Ocular Therapeutics 4B, Professional Optometry 4B, Psychology for Optometry
STAGE 5
Clinical Optometry 5A, Specialist Clinical Optometry 5A, Clinical Ocular Therapeutics 5A, Research Project 5A, Clinical Optometry 5B, Specialist Clinical Optometry 5B, Clinical Ocular Therapeutics 5B, Research Project 5B, General Education Requirements: 6 units of credit to be completed in Stage 3

Career Paths & Prospects

Optometry provides graduates with great opportunities to own their own business. Optometrists may specialise in different areas of clinical practice, including paediatrics, contact lenses, occupational optometry, public health, co-management, low vision rehabilitation, sports vision, behavioural optometry and binocular vision.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration as an Optometrist in the States and Territories of Australia. The degree is also recognised in New Zealand, and many parts of Asia.