Key facts
3.5 years accelerated full-time program delivered over ten consecutive trimesters commencing in Trimester 1
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
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.
Your clinical placement rotations take place in both metropolitan and regional or rural settings, where you will consolidate your knowledge and skills under the supervision of qualified optometrists. As a student resident you will learn in one of a range of clinical optometric and medical settings.
Our optometry students are able to work directly with real patients who attend the Deakin Collaborative Eye Care Clinic - located onsite at our Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. Our students are supervised by experienced registered optometrists while providing ocular healthcare to the patients at the clinic. It's equipped with a fully fitted optometry practice for examination and a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose clinical skills laboratory.
As well as preparing you to diagnose and manage ocular conditions, this unique combined degree has a strong emphasis on the underlying social and environmental factors that contribute to the health gap between regional communities and urban populations, ensuring you graduate with a well-rounded understanding of the field of optometry. On successful completion of this accredited course, you can apply for registration to practise as an optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.
Deakin is deeply committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As part of this commitment, our Indigenous Entry Stream provides a specialised pathway for Indigenous students to become healthcare practitioners, improving cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the communities they serve. Our Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry is one of four courses available through this stream.
Are you a current Year 12 student? If you attend a school in a regional or remote area or within the Greater City of Geelong you may be eligible to apply for this course through our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme using our dedicated VTAC code. As an eligible applicant you may also receive up to a 10 aggregate point adjustment towards your entry score. Make the most of your ATAR.
*2021 Employment Projections – for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400315543 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- D302
- CRICOS code?
- 083228D Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7/9
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry students must attain 40 credit points. This is an accelerated three and a half year course delivered over ten consecutive trimesters commencing in Trimester 1. All the units in the course are core (these are compulsory).
Students must pass all first year units, or be granted Recognition of prior learning for these units, before proceeding to second year.
Due to the integrated nature of the curriculum and assessment, and the requirements of the external accrediting body, from Year 2 onwards, students must pass all units in a given trimester prior to proceeding to the next trimester. Any student who fails to meet this requirement will need to intermit until the next offering of the unit, which will usually be in a period of two trimesters.
To support student reintegration to the course after a period of intermission, students will be required to demonstrate that they have maintained skills and knowledge at a level required to practice safely. To support students in doing this, non-award units will be offered in the trimester preceding re-entry to the course. Please contact your course advisor for assistance.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Units
Students must enrol in the Waurn Ponds (Geelong) offering of all units
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
And
OR
^ Students who completed Unit 3 and 4 (or Year 12 equivalent) Chemistry MUST do SLE155. Those who did not do Chemistry in VCE units 3 and 4 (or Year 12 equivalent) may take SLE133.
Year 1 - Trimester 3
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 3
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Year 3 - Trimester 2
Year 3 - Trimester 3
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
The course is only available to students on a full-time basis.
This is a 3.5 year accelerated full-time program delivered over ten consecutive trimesters commencing in Trimester 1.
Please refer to https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Process/Registration-Requirements.aspx for English language skills required for AHPRA registration
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
In accordance with Department of Human Services policy*, all students are required to undertake a National Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of clinical placements will not be able to undertake any placements. Students are also required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of the course, and are required to read, understand and comply with the School of Medicine Infectious Diseases and Immunisation Policy. Failure to comply with this policy, or obtain a Working with Children Check, may also prevent students from undertaking clinical placements.
Several clinical placement agencies require that students are vaccinated / blood tested before undertaking clinical placement and / or graduate employment. Deakin University Medical Centres provides detailed advice, blood testing and administer all necessary vaccinations prior to commencement of clinical placements and/or employment.
Students will be expected to purchase some specialist equipment during their course, and there may be some additional costs associated with your clinical placements. Further details will be provided during your enrolment. Students should expect to spend around $5,000 ($1,500 and $4,000) on equipment. Life expectancy of the equipment is around 15 years.
Up to 10 international places will be available each year
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
The course includes an extensive practical placement component (cost incurred by the student) including a Clinical Residential Placement in the last six months of the course. Students will also need to purchase personal optometric diagnostic (costing approximately $3500) in Year 2 of the program.
Mandatory student checks
Inherent requirements
Applications are accepted from students who possess the skills and prerequisites required to complete the course, gain professional certification and practise safely. The inherent requirements of the course are listed in the document, BVisSci and MOptom Inherent Requirements (pdf).
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) . Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The Faculty will guide you through this process.
Police record check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this course. Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The Faculty will guide you through this process.
Immunisations
Prior to commencing clinical placements students are expected to have a current immunisation status including three COVID-19 vaccinations. Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The Faculty will guide you through this process.
Code of Conduct
Prior to commencing students are expected to sign the Student Code of Conduct.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
The course has been developed to provide students with opportunities to practice optometry (under supervision) in a variety of contexts. In keeping the Deakin Optometry’s commitment to improving rural eyecare delivery, students will spend at least three months of their extended residential placement in a regional, rural or remote location to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities when attempting to access eye care.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Students are required to complete units in Trimester 3.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Placements are an integral part of this course and ensure that you graduate career ready and with confidence. From your second year onwards, you will attend clinical placements across a range of placement settings. During the last six months of this course, you will undertake a clinical residential placement with a focus on regional and remote optometry. During this residency you need to consolidate your knowledge and skills in supported environments under the supervision of qualified optometrists.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
- For current year 12 students only, who have studied at a high school outside major metropolitan centres (i.e. in RA2-5 areas as defined by the ASGS-RA classification system) or in the City of Greater Geelong
- Senior Secondary Certification in Education with ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent (including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Domestic Students and International Students who have completed secondary qualifications taught in English (VCE English Units 3 or 4 or equivalent.)
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
International students who have NOT completed secondary qualifications taught in English (VCE English Units 3 or 4 or equivalent.)
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent;
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
Indigenous Entry Stream applicants
To be eligible for a place in the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry course, Indigenous Entry Stream applicants must meet the following admission criteria (note this entry stream is for non-Year 12 applicants via direct application only):
- Recognition as an Indigenous Australian and
provide confirmation of Aboriginality from their community and
have completed one or more of the following requirements: - A Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent (including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL), or
- Have successfully completed at least one year of study at certificate IV or higher in any discipline
Personal statement
Applicants can include a personal statement to complement their application. Applicants will need to ensure that they outline any relevant work and/or life experience and summarise the reasons why they wish to undertake the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Inherent requirements
Applications are accepted from students who possess the skills and prerequisites required to complete the course, gain professional certification and practise safely. The inherent requirements of the course are listed in the document, BVisSci and MOptom Inherent Requirements (pdf 103k).
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 40 in any English equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 35 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 35 in any English equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together twelve credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Twelve credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
If you did not meet the selection requirements for this course don't despair, we have further pathway options available. Are you a Year 12 student? You may be interested in our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme. Our Indigenous Entry Stream is available for this course providing a specialised pathway for Indigenous students to become healthcare practitioners. Explore your options to get ready for the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry using our Pathways Finder.
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Alternative exits
- Bachelor of Vision Science (H310)
Careers
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.
*2021 Employment Projections – for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia.
Professional recognition
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be eligible to apply for registration to practise as an optometrist in Australia. Deakin optometry has been awarded accreditations by the Optometry Board of Australia, following assessment by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).
As a graduate from this course you will be eligible to apply for registration to practise as an optometrist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and to Medicare as a service provider. This will enable you to pursue employment opportunities throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply advanced integrated optometric knowledge to evaluate clinical information, utilising expert skills and judgement to independently perform optometric examinations, establish diagnoses and design appropriate management plans within a robust practice management system. |
| Communication | Employ a range of communication strategies to interpret theoretical positions, methodologies and conclusions, and explain and justify professional and clinical decisions to other health professionals, peers and colleagues (specialist and non-specialist audiences). Employ a range of communication strategies that take into account individual diversity to effectively communicate information regarding informed consent, diagnoses and management plans to patients, carers and other health-care professionals. |
| Digital literacy | Choose appropriate technologies to effectively find, use and disseminate clinical and research findings; demonstrate skills in applying new technologies in clinical settings to implement examination plans and manage patient records. |
| Critical thinking | Apply expert knowledge to critically analyse and synthesise complex optometric information and theories to address research questions and new situations in professional practice. |
| Problem solving | Apply an advanced body of knowledge in order to define and frame clinical optometric problems and apply evidence based strategies to solve such problems. Apply business and practice management skills to identify areas of optometric business in need of improvement and strategies to improve and maintain a safe and efficient/compliant optometric practice. |
| Self-management | Operate in a professional, reflective and ethical manner, being cognisant of the accountability and responsibilities that come with professional optometric practice, thereby employing a structured and efficient approach to professional practice. |
| Teamwork | Operate as an independent optometric professional, capable of demonstrating leadership in practice management and collaboration with other health professionals in providing high quality optometric care for patients. |
| Global citizenship | Model behaviour consistent with professional and ethical standards of the profession, being sensitive to cultural and social diversity and the issues impacting on eye and vision care in regional and rural communities, adopting a global perspective to evidence-based practice and advocacy. |
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