The Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand.

This programme enables you to develop communication, empathy and problem-solving skills, particularly working with children, the elderly and the partially sighted.

It will prepare you for registration as an Optometrist, and you’ll be equipped to diagnose visual problems or impairments, advise on the prevention of vision loss, prescribe and provide treatment.

This programme covers both theory and the clinical aspects of Optometry, preparing you for the workforce after graduation.

Entry into the BOptom is limited and competitive. You will be selected on the basis of academic merit and personal qualities exhibited during the admission interview (MMI). There are 60 places available each year.

There are two application categories for entry into the BOptom:

• Undergraduate entry: Undergraduate applicants may apply from either BSc (Biomedical Science) at the University of Auckland or the HSFY at the University of Otago
• Graduate entry

Please note:

• Entry criteria may change every year. There is no direct entry from secondary school, school leavers are encourage to apply under the Undergraduate entry category
• Shortlisted applicants will be subject to a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).

To apply for BOptom as an undergraduate student you must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Biomedical Science) at the University of Auckland, or the Health Sciences First Year at the University of Otago. This must be completed on a full time basis and must include the following courses:

Option A: Bachelor of Science (BSc) Biomedical Science, University of Auckland

• CHEM 110: Chemistry of the Living World
• BIOSCI 107: Biology for Biomedical Science - Cellular Processes and Development
• MEDSCI 142: Biology for Biomedical Science - Organ Systems
• BIOSCI 101: Essential Biology: From Genomes to Organisms
• PHYSICS 160: Physics for the Life Sciences
• BIOSCI 106: Foundations of Biochemistry

The remaining 30 points must comprise of:

• Either POPLHLTH111: Population Health OR one 15 point elective course from the Science schedule compatible with the Biomedical Science programme
• One 15 point General Education course listed in the Open or EMHSS Schedule (excluding BIOSCI 100G, MEDSCI 100G, MEDSCI101G, OPTOM101G, POPLHLTH 103G).

Option B: University of Otago's Health Science First Year (HSFY)

• CHEM191: The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health
• CELS191: Cell and Molecular Biology
• PHSI191: Biological Physics
• BIOC192: Foundations of Biochemistry
• HUBS192: Human Body Systems II
• HUBS191: Human Body Systems I
• PUBH192: Foundations of Epidemiology
• Optional paper

Interview Eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across their last 2 years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). Shortlisted international applicants will be interviewed over Skype/phone.

Interview Ranking
If eligible, you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the core courses (in bold above). If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection. 

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

• GPA for core course: 50% 
• Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)