Graduate in 3.5 years
Work with real patients from your first year
#1 Victorian university for health facilities and support
Why choose vision science and optometry at Deakin
Graduate sooner with Deakin's Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry, Australia's only accelerated combined bachelor and masters degree. Delivered over ten consecutive trimesters, this 3.5-year program prepares you for registration as an optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.
Develop the clinical skills to assess, diagnose and manage eye and vision disorders, with foundations in evidence-based practice and professional standards. You will complete placements throughout your course to gain hands-on experience with real patients, including at Deakin's Collaborative Eye Care Clinic and spend your final six months as a student resident.
Build an understanding of the visual system and factors that influence eye health, including the impact of regional and rural health disparities. With training across areas such as clinical optics, ocular structure and function, and practice management, you will graduate confident, work ready and prepared to make an immediate impact.
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Graduate sooner with an accelerated degree
Complete Australia’s only accelerated Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry in just 3.5 years.
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Work with real patients on campus
Gain hands-on experience at the Deakin Collaborative Eye Care Clinic, working with real patients under the supervision of registered optometrists.
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Accredited and registration-ready
The course is accredited by the Optometry Board of Australia and prepares you to apply for registration to practise as an optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.
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Industry-leading facilities and support
Study at the #1 Victorian university for facilities, resources and support for health students, using purpose-built clinical training environments.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Prepare for a rewarding career in optometry, with opportunities across private and public eye care, research, education and specialised areas of practice.
Optometrist
Provide eye care across private practice, clinics, hospitals and community settings, with opportunities to develop expertise in areas such as myopia control, dry eye management, low vision and paediatric vision.
- $110k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 18%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Professional areas
- Practice ownership
- Private and public eye care
- Research and education
- Myopia control
- Dry eye management
- Low vision and paediatric vision
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 10 January 2027
VTAC
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry?
Develop the knowledge and clinical skills to assess, diagnose and manage eye and vision disorders while building a strong understanding of the visual system and its role in overall health. You will progress through an accelerated program that combines vision science with clinical optometry, supported by ongoing practical experience.
Build foundations in vision science
Understand the science of vision
Learn about optics, ocular structure and how the visual system functions.
Build health and scientific knowledge
Develop foundational knowledge in health, biology and the factors that influence eye health.
Begin clinical learning
Start developing practical skills in clinical optics, professional practice and the business of optometry.
Develop clinical and professional skills
Advance clinical knowledge
Explore ocular function and develop your ability to assess visual performance.
Apply clinical reasoning
Build skills in diagnosing and managing eye health and vision conditions.
Develop professional practice
Learn about communication, ethics and reflective practice.
Apply your skills in clinical settings
Strengthen clinical decision-making
Learn to assess, diagnose and manage a range of eye and vision disorders.
Expand your clinical experience
Continue developing your skills through placements and supervised patient care.
Integrate knowledge and practice
Apply advanced evidence-based approaches to clinical scenarios.
Advance your expertise and complete your residency
Undertake advanced optometry studies
Build expertise in complex clinical areas and contemporary practice.
Focus on community optometry
Develop your understanding of population eye health and regional and rural health needs.
Complete your student residency
Spend your final six months in clinical settings, working with patients and preparing for professional practice.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry, you must pass 40 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study this degree as an accelerated course over 10 consecutive trimesters, commencing in Trimester 1.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All 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
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.
Trimester 3
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
Year 4 - Trimester 1
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.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Students must pass all first year units, or be granted Recognition of prior learning for these units, before proceeding to second year.
Inherent requirements
All prospective applicants should review the Inherent Requirements of the course, which describe what students need to achieve, and consider whether they may need reasonable adjustments in order to meet these requirements.
Deakin seeks to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, including those with a disability or chronic health condition or other factors which may impact on their studies. We aim to take an inclusive approach which encompasses temporary or ongoing physical or mental health conditions, neurodivergence or being the carer of someone with a disability. For more information refer to the Disability Resource Centre.
We encourage applicants who would like to know more, or who think they may need reasonable adjustments, to reach out via email for a confidential and constructive discussion. You will be connected to a member of the course team who will be able to discuss your circumstances, the requirements of the course, and how the School and University can help to put reasonable accommodations in place. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career, and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
Working with Children Check
Students are required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children Check (WWCC). Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The School will guide you through this process. Additionally, students may be required to obtain a working with children check (State/Territory specific) dependent on the location they are allocated to for their interstate placement as part of this course.
Police record check
Students will be required to obtain a valid Police Record Check every calendar year for professional placements as part of this course. Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The School will guide you through this process.
Immunisations
Prior to commencing clinical placements students are expected to have a current immunisation status including at least two COVID-19 vaccinations subject to placement provider requirements. Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The School will guide you through this process.
Code of Conduct
On commencement of the course students are expected to agree and sign the Student Code of Conduct.
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.
The course has been developed to provide students with opportunities to practice optometry (under supervision) in a variety of contexts. In keeping 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.
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.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
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 the AHPRA registration site for English language skills required for AHPRA registration.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Apply expert knowledge to critically analyse and synthesise complex optometric information and theories to address research questions and new situations in professional practice. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400315541 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400310261 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Optometry (Regional and Remote) -- Deakin code
- D302
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7/9
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$15,839
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 12 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin. Places in this course are limited and entry is competitive, so we encourage you to submit your application early.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 10 January 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Offer rounds and key dates
Successful applicants to this course are placed in a pool of eligible applicants. Offers are made in rounds until all places are filled.
Round 1: 9 – 13 November 2026
Round 2: 30 November – 4 December 2026
Round 3: 11 – 15 January 2027
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.
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.
Alternate exits
- Bachelor of Vision Science (H310)