Master of Optometry

2014 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Course rules
• Course structure

Course overview

Offered as part of the Deakin optometry program, the Master of Optometry aims to build upon and reinforce the knowledge and applied skills acquired throughout the Bachelor of Vision Science (or equivalent) in order to develop 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 optometric clinical assessment and procedures; ethical, legal and professional standards of practice; and acquire high levels of inter-personal and inter-professional communication, relationship management and commercial awareness. You will be provided 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.

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 Master of Optometry and spend the final six months of the course as a ‘student resident’ in 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.

Clinical rotations may also include time in outer metropolitan, regional and/or rural settings.

Professional recognition

Students who successfully complete H710 Master of Optometry can apply for registration to practise as an optometrist in Australia. Completion of the Bachelor of Vision Science alone does not meet the registration requirements for professional practice as an optometrist and must be completed in combination with Deakin’s Master of Optometry (or equivalent program).
 
Deakin Optometry is in the process of being assessed for ‘accreditation with conditions’ by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) – the accrediting body for optometry courses in Australia and New Zealand. This accreditation will then need to be confirmed after the first cohort of students graduate in mid-2015. The course curriculum is aligned to the competencies defined by OCANZ. Subject to accreditation, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and as Medicare service, the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board, New Zealand (ODOB) and the Australian Dispensing Opticians Association (ADOA). Once recognised to practise in Australia, optometrists can also register as a Medicare service providers, will be able to pursue employment opportunities throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Career opportunities

Optometrists are expert in nearly all things concerning the eyes and visual system and can work in a variety of settings. Most optometrists (around 75%) work in private practice – which itself can be very diverse.  On a given day, an Australian optometrist may perform a primary visual assessment, treat advanced eye disease and dispense both prescription medicines and optical aids. At the same time, many optometrists are business owners and retailers.

Optometrists are perfectly situated to explore other employment opportunities, such as research, para-medical practice and work within vision-related non-government organisations.

Following successful completion of these sequential degrees (H310 and H710), Deakin optometry graduates will be well prepared for employment in a diverse range of work settings including, but not limited to: hospitals, clinics, health services, state and local governments, non-government organisations, research institutes, tertiary education institutions, private practice, and corporate and community settings. Career and employment opportunities for qualified optometrists include private and public eye care, practice ownership, research and teaching, associates in eye surgery practice, and recognised specialties within optometry such as low vision, paediatric vision, and behavioural optometry.

Requirements for Clinical Placements and Registration

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.*

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/facs/bdb/fmu/service-agreement/4.departmental-policies-procedures-and-initiatives/4.6-safety-screening-referee-checks-police-record-check-and-working-with-children-check

Course rules

H710 Master of Optometry is a four trimester 16 credit point course. All of the units in the course are prescribed and each unit is worth 4 credit points. Graduates of H310 Bachelor of Vision Science are eligible to articulate directly into this course.

Course structure

Year 1

Trimester 1

Trimester 2

Trimester 3

Year 2

Trimester 1

Income support

Domestic students enrolled in this postgraduate coursework program may be eligible for student income support through Youth Allowance and Austudy.

Further information can be found at Deakin University's Fees website.