Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry

2015 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2015 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year2015 course information
Award granted

Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry

CampusOffered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Cloud CampusNo
Duration

3.5 years accelerated full time program delivered over ten consecutive trimesters commencing in Trimester 1

Deakin course codeD302

Course structure applies to students who commenced in 2015 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2015 should refer to previous online Handbooks or consult your course enrolment officer.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

The combined course of Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry aims to produce graduates who have the attributes, discipline-specific knowledge, professional behaviours and standards required to practise as an optometrist within Australia and New Zealand.  

Throughout this course you will develop knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the visual system; optometric clinical assessment and management approaches; ethical, legal and professional standards of practice; and acquire high level inter-personal and inter-professional communication, relationship management and commercial awareness skills. You will acquire life-long independent learning skills and a commitment to both patient-centred care and evidence-based practice that will enable you to practise as a professional in this field. The course equips graduates with transferable academic skills that enable them to conduct research, undertake self-guided learning. It also provides graduates with an understanding of visual health issues and their impact, particularly on communities in regional and rural Australia as well as globally, emphasising how underlying social and environmental factors contribute to the health gap between these communities and well-served urban population centres.

Work-Integrated Learning

Clinical placements are an integral part of Deakin’s optometry program. You will undertake a variety of short-term industry placements during the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry and spend the final six months of the course as a ‘student resident’ in one of a range of clinical optometric and medical settings. These extensive clinical rotations will enable you to consolidate your knowledge and skills in supported environments under the supervision of qualified optometrists. These clinical rotations may include time in our metropolitan, regional or rural settings

Professional recognition

Students who successfully complete D302 Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry can apply for registration to practise as an optometrist in Australia. Deakin Optometry has been awarded ‘accreditation with conditions’ by the Optometry Board of Australia, following assessment by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). Graduates of D302 Bachelor of Vision Science/ Master of Optometry will therefore be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and to Medicare as service providers, making them able to pursue employment opportunities throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Note: This course is currently accredited (with conditions) as at the date of publishing.

Students may elect to exit the combined program and complete the Bachelor of Vision Science requirements only (Graduates of the Bachelor of Vision Science will not qualify to practise as an optometrist).


Requirements for Clinical Placements and Registration

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.

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.

* Department of Human Services Policy on Working with Children Check and Police Records Checks can be found at: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/our-organisation/careers/applying-for-a-job/application-process/step-4-safety-screening-checks

Course rules

The Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry is an accelerated three and a half year, 40 credit point course delivered over ten consecutive trimesters commencing in Trimester 1. All the units in the course are prescribed. The course rules are listed at BVisSci/MOptom Course Rules. Students must pass all first year units, or be granted credit for prior learning for these units, before proceeding to second year.

Course structure

Students must enrol in the Waurn Ponds offering of all units

Year 1

Trimester 1

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SLE010Unit description is currently unavailable (0 cp)

Trimester 2

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HMO103Unit description is currently unavailable

HMO104Unit description is currently unavailable

And
SLE155Unit description is currently unavailable (if Chemistry completed in Year 12)

OR
SLE133Unit description is currently unavailable (if Chemistry not completed in Year 12)

Trimester 3

HMO105Unit description is currently unavailable

HMO201Unit description is currently unavailable

HMO202Unit description is currently unavailable

MAA103Unit description is currently unavailable

Year 2 

Trimester 1

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Trimester 2

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Trimester 3

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HMO306Unit description is currently unavailable

Year 3

Trimester 1

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Trimester 2

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Trimester 3

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Year 4

Trimester 1

HMO704Unit description is currently unavailable