Optometry
Discipline
Make a difference to people's lives by detecting, diagnosing and managing eye complications suffered by millions. Study optometry at Deakin and graduate qualified to work anywhere in Australia and New Zealand.
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.
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
Deakin optometry graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation (AHPRA) and Medicare Service Providers.
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.
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.
The world of optometry through Mougadam’s eyes
Mougadam’s passion to pursue optometry was influenced by his chemistry teacher and the desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
Why 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.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
*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
