Explore your study options
Gain the practical skills you need to succeed in this dynamic and challenging healthcare specialisation. You'll regularly apply your technical knowledge in real-world situations with clinical placements and a focus on evidence-based practice.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate (your first degree)
An undergraduate degree is generally completed between two to four years, depending on the pattern of study and any recognition of prior learning you may have. Associate degrees, bachelor and bachelor with honours are all undergraduate degrees.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Choose an optometry degree that will get you work ready
Want a degree that's more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Learn from the best
As a Deakin optometry student you'll learn from industry-leading experts, giving you the confidence to excel in your career. Our established partnerships enable you to interact with renowned clinicians and researchers throughout your degree, ensuring you graduate well-connected to industry.
Graduate in 3.5 years
Unlike any other optometry course in Australia, you can complete your Bachelor of Vision/Master of Optometry in just three-and-a-half years of full-time study. You'll gain the knowledge and skills to be work-ready and eligible to apply for registration as a practising optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.
Professional recognition
Why become an optometrist
You'll enjoy varied and flexible work. On any given day, an Australian optometrist may perform primary visual assessments, treat advanced eye diseases and dispense both prescription medicines and optical aids. Additionally, most optometrists are business owners providing clinical care and dispensing optical appliances.
If you're looking for work-life balance in the health field, optometry could be for you. Your working day can be flexible if you go into a private practice, which around 75% of graduates do. You're also well-positioned to explore other opportunities such as para-medicine practice, research and work within vision-related non-government organisations.
With an endemic spread of myopia across the world, I wanted to learn about and practice the skill of a profession that dealt first hand with combating this disease.
Zara Danehsvar
Bachelor of Vision Science/Master in Optometry
Get qualified sooner
Deakin is one of Australia's only universities to offer an accelerated Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry course – allowing you to complete two degrees in three-and-a-half years.
Entry pathways
Indigenous Entry Stream
In partnership with the National Indigenous Knowledge Education Research Innovation (NIKERI) Institute, we offer a direct entry pathway exclusively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to study optometry at Deakin.
Regional and Remote Entry Schemes
Boost your chances of getting into your dream degree. To help address workforce shortages in regional and remotes areas, we offer an alternative entry pathway into the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry.
Study optometry at Deakin
Change the way people see the world. Gain practical experience through placements and graduate work-ready.
World-class teaching experience
Study optometry at Deakin – in the world's top 250 for Clinical and Health.* Our industry-shaped courses and practical, real-world approach to learning will prepare you for the jobs of the future.
Hands-on learning
Clinical placements are integral to your optometry course. You'll undertake various short-term industry placements within metropolitan, regional or rural areas and spend time as a student resident in different clinical optometric and medical settings. This real-world experience helps you to consolidate your knowledge and skills under the supervision of qualified optometrists.
Life-changing research
Deakin's School of Medicine includes many optometry and vision science research groups undertaking clinic-based and laboratory-based research on the eye's health, functions and diseases. If you're excited about medical breakthroughs and curious about the future of optometry, a higher degree by research could be for you.
Want to explore more?
If you're dreaming of an exciting and rewarding career in optometry, we'll help get you there.
How our optometry courses focus on practical learning virtually
Keen to study optometry? Find out how you can master the skills to treat people's vision with Deakin's Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry.
How Deakin's Indigenous Entry Stream opens up a world of opportunity
The Indigenous Entry Stream offers places to study the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry, Bachelor of Medical Imaging or Doctor of Medicine.
Footnotes
*2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject
Get in touch
Got a question? Our knowledgeable course advisors are available to chat one-on-one about your optometry study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online