Doctor of Optometry
Doctor of Optometry
The Doctor of Optometry (OD) is an exciting new postgraduate course designed to meet the growing demand for eyecare in Australia. This course prepares you with the professional attributes and skills required for professional practice, so you can deliver safe and responsive person-centred care. Theory and problem-based learning will direct…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Doctor of Optometry (OD) is an exciting new postgraduate course designed to meet the growing demand for eyecare in Australia. This course prepares you with the professional attributes and skills required for professional practice, so you can deliver safe and responsive person-centred care. Theory and problem-based learning will direct you through the program. The Doctor of Optometry will see you regularly apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world situations, with an emphasis on clinical practice in metro, rural and remote regions of WA, eyecare research and integration into public and private eyecare pathways. Your hands-on and industry supported degree has strong employment and salary prospects.
The Doctor of Optometry is a three-year program that combines on-campus teaching and clinical placements. You will be trained in the early detection, diagnosis, treatment and management of eye diseases and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system. The course content and teaching is based on the competency standards for optometrists in Australia and New Zealand, which are: professional responsibilities; communication; patient examination; diagnosis and management; and health information management.
Course structure
Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units.
Top reasons to study Optometry at UWA
Optometry is a recognised degree in Australia and New Zealand
Meets the increasing demand for eye-care services and the undersupply of optometry in Australia
Extended clinical placements in metro, regional and remote areas with direct patient experience
Exposure to renowned clinicians and researchers through established partnerships with Lions Eye Institute, Lions Outback Vision, SpecSavers, Luxottica and other industry leaders
Undertake a research project with leading institutions including the Lions Eye Institute
Careers and further study
Explore the career opportunities available to you.
Career Pathways
To practice as an optometrist in Australia, all graduates are required to register with the Optometry Board of Australia. Graduates can take advantage of high employment rates, with employment opportunities in varied industries such as the private sector, government, not-for-profit and other agencies. You could become a private practitioner in a community practice or hospital based optometrist or explore a career in academia or research.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor degree in Biomedical Science holders or students who are in progress of their first bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science may be eligible to apply for graduate entry into the Doctor of Optometry (OD). Students who are in progress of their first bachelor’s degree may apply during their final year, with any course offer being conditional on completion of all bachelor’s degree requirements by 31 December of the year prior to commencement in the OD.
Graduate entry into the OD is a competitive process based on selection WAM and an interview. Places are limited and are awarded to the highest-ranking applicants.
English language requirements:
TOEFL (paper-based): 570 with a Test of Written English (TWE) of no less than 4.5
IBT TOEFL (Internet-based test score): 82 with 22 for writing, 20 for speaking, 20 for listening, and 18 for reading
IELTS (Academic): overall score of at least 7.0 and no band less than 7.0
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: C pass
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: B grade
Pearson Test of English (PTE) (Academic): Overall score of 64 with a minimum score of 64 in the Reading and Writing sections, 59 in the Speaking section and 54 in the Listening section
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a proud member of the Group of Eight and is the only university in Western Australia to be ranked in the world top 100 universities (QS World University Rankings 2023).UWA’s main campus is located in Perth, Western Australia and is home to more than 23,000 students. Perth is Australia’s fourth-largest city with over two million people from a variety of cultures worldwide, a strong economy and vibrant lifestyle. Perth is one of the country’s most affordable cities, the closest major Australian city to Asia, and in the same time zone as most of Asia.
