The Doctor of Optometry (OD) at the University of Melbourne is a master’s-level professional entry degree. The OD program is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, creating a new benchmark in optometric education. It is an internationally recognised qualification with full accreditation from the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).

The OD degree is a four-year full-time program consisting of a combination of on-campus teaching and clinical placements. Clinical studies commence in first year and gradually increase to full-time in the final year. The course covers the basic and applied optical, visual, and biomedical sciences that underpin optometry.

A research project, with clinical relevance, is conducted as a required component of the degree. Students will also be given the opportunity to undertake clinical training at metropolitan, rural and overseas sites as part of their final year of study.

Course description

The Doctor of Optometry is the pathway to an exciting and rewarding career in optometry. Specific graduate attributes have been carefully defined, developed and mapped to every component of the course. Graduates of the program will achieve:

• Understanding of the normal human visual system and its physical, chemical and biological foundations
• Expertise to quantitatively describe light and its passage through optical systems (including ophthalmic instruments, ophthalmic lenses and the eye), the design of optical systems to meet required specifications, and quantitatively assess the nature and quality of optical images
• Advanced knowledge of the mechanisms and associated manifestations of ocular and visual system disease. This includes expert competency in clinical ocular examination using current best-practice methods, enabling them to fully assess and manage the health and visual performance of their patient
• Ability to construct appropriate differential diagnoses and to acquire additional information to arrive at correct definitive diagnoses. and expert knowledge of current best practice management strategies for the safe and effective use of ocular therapeutic drugs
• The skills and knowledge required to manage the establishment, planning, promotion, finances, operations and workforce of an optometric practice
• A strongly developed sense of professional and ethical responsibility for patients, colleagues and the community generally, and be aware of the moral and legal responsibilities of professional practice
• Knowledge of ethical research principles and methods applicable to optometry and the vision sciences
• Ability to achieve a leadership role in the advancement of optometry on a global stage, both in clinical and research spheres

As a graduate of the Doctor of Optometry, you can take advantage of high employment rates, no matter the pathway you choose to pursue.

Most graduates of this course find employment through their final year of clinical placement. With an outstanding reputation for excellence in the field of optometry, the University of Melbourne has a vibrant placement relationship with private and corporate practices alike.

While many students choose to become community-based practitioners post-graduation, there are other career opportunities open in the field of optometry, including:

• Further academic research
• Public health
• Public health policy.

If you have rural or community-focused practice in mind, this degree will provide you with plenty of opportunities to pursue some of the most interesting and remote placements.

An internationally recognised qualification

Graduates from the Doctor of Optometry emerge as strong leaders in their field. The Doctor of Optometry is the entry practice degree for registration as an optometrist in Australia, as well as New Zealand.

Students can also take advantage of potential international placements. Previous students have travelled to a range of international locations, including New York, South Africa, India, Nepal and Vanuatu.