Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry
Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry
Graduate in just three and a half years with Australia’s only accelerated Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry course. Optometrists are in high demand with occupation growth expected to reach 15.1% by 2026, you will gain the discipline-specific knowledge and skills to be work-ready and eligible to apply for registration…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
Graduate in just three and a half years with Australia’s only accelerated Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry course. Optometrists are in high demand with occupation growth expected to reach 15.1% by 2026, you will gain the discipline-specific knowledge and skills to be work-ready and eligible to apply for registration as a practising optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.
You will undertake a variety of short-term industry placements throughout your course and spend the final six months as a student resident, empowering you to graduate confidently. You will develop crucial skills in the clinical assessment, treatment and management of eye and vision disorders, with strong foundations in evidence-based and reflective practice, inter-professional collaborative practice and practice management. Our course has a strong emphasis on understanding the visual health issues impacting regional and rural Australia and the rural health gap.
Want to graduate job ready as a qualified optometrist from Australia’s only accelerated combined Bachelor/Masters course?
Deakin offers Australia’s first accelerated Bachelor/Masters course, which means you can graduate and begin your career sooner. This is made possible due to Deakin’s trimester system whereby you will undertake ten consecutive trimesters starting from Trimester 1.
During the course you will investigate the structure and function of the visual system while learning about various visual health issues and their wider impact on the local and international community. Gain crucial skills in the clinical assessment, treatment and management of eye and vision disorders, as well as forming a strong understanding of the ethical, legal and professional standards of practice. You will cover a broad spectrum of industry-relevant study areas that prepare you for work as a professional optometrist, including:
the key principles of optics
clinical optics and treating eye and vision disorders
ocular function and structure
the science of vision
the business of optometry.
Career outcomes
The healthcare and social assistance sector is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in Australia and the world. In Australia the sector is projected to grow by 15.8% over the five years to May 2026 – that is 301,000 new jobs. Optometrists and Orthoptists are in high demand with occupation growth expected to reach 15.1% over the same time period.
Deakin optometry graduates are well prepared for employment in a diverse range of work settings, including:
clinics
corporate and community settings
health services
hospitals
non-government organisations
private practice
research institutes
state and local governments
tertiary education institutions.
Career opportunities for qualified optometrists include:
practice ownership
private and public eye care
research and education
recognised specialties within optometry such as:
myopia control
dry eye management
low vision
paediatric vision.
As well as pursuing a career in optometry, this course could lead you towards a number of other rewarding careers, including:
ophthalmic practice business owner
spectacle retailer
not-for-profit campaigner
visual simulator designer.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Deakin University is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU). It is a global leader in many areas of study including accounting and finance, business, engineering, education, nursing, sport science, and sport management. It is known for its industry-based learning, with all degrees offering the opportunity for work placements. Deakin has four campuses across the state of Victoria, offering high-quality teaching and first-rate facilities. Our students love studying here – that is why Deakin University has been ranked #1 for course and student satisfaction in Victoria for 13 years (Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2022 (GOS)).
