Doctor of Optometry

What are the career outcomes for Doctor of Optometry graduates? 

The Doctor of Optometry will give you comprehensive theoretical and clinical skills with the opportunity to undertake clinical training at metropolitan, rural and overseas sites throughout your degree. It permits students to register as optometrists in Australia and New Zealand. The qualification also affords the opportunity to register to practice in other countries around the world, following the relevant local qualification assessments and procedures.

What are the top career paths after completing the Doctor of Optometry? 

• Become an optometrist. Practice as a licensed optometrist in Australia and New Zealand or apply to practice overseas.
• Public health and public health policy. Advise large-scale vision problems, helping the next generation of people to see well and live well.
• Advance research. Break new ground in the field of optometry and vision sciences, leverage new technologies and translate evidence and research into practice.

What is the expected salary for Doctor of Optometry graduates? 

The expected entry level salary for a Doctor of Optometry graduate is $85,000 plus super. This can be higher for regional or international opportunities that have relocation costs.

The average salary after 3-4 years for a Doctor of Optometry graduate is $103,000 plus super.

(Source: Optometry Australia 2026).

What can you do with a Doctor of Optometry?

No matter your career goals, a Doctor of Optometry can lead to a rewarding career across a wide range of fields. Graduates can thrive across diverse career pathways, such as an optometrist, health advisor, researcher or vision scientist. You can help to deliver exceptional patient care, advance research, drive innovation, influence public policy, or advocate for better eye health.

Employers in this field include:

• Private healthcare like private hospitals and optometry clinics.
• Retail clinics like OPSM, Specsavers, Oscar Wylee, and Bailey Nelson.
• Public hospitals and institutions like the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and Western Hospital.
• Not-for-profit organisations like Optometry Australia.
• Research institutions like the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA).
• Rural and regional areas in community-based practice.

What accreditation does a Doctor of Optometry provide? 

The Doctor of Optometry has full accreditation from the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ), ensuring that your education meets the highest professional standards. You will also be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) prior to undertaking your clinical placements.

How does the Doctor of Optometry help to make industry connections? 

Optometry is a small but tight-knit community with many chances to build lifelong relationships in industry.

• Study abroad through international placement rotations in New York, South Africa, India, Nepal and Vanuatu.
• Partner with established optometry clinicians through our rotation of clinical placements.
• Forge connections with world-leading optometry researchers through your very own research project.
• Network at our two-day optometry conference.

What career support services are available for Doctor of Optometry students? 

Plan and achieve your goals with our career support services. Access these services to build your confidence and improve your career readiness while studying.

Support includes:

• Personalised career consultations
• Workshops on resume writing, LinkedIn optimisation, and interview skills
• Access to an exclusive job portal connecting students to industry opportunities
• Networking events with alumni and professionals

Find career advice

University of Melbourne alumni profile  

Erica Barclay

Optometrist at the Australian College of Optometry

"There are lots of specialty clinics to get involved at the College, like paediatrics, advanced contact lenses or glaucoma management with the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

The College also does a lot of outreach... for example with people living in rural areas, Indigenous communities and homeless communities. I did an outreach program in Sri Lanka before my final year of study and it really gave me a taste for that kind of work.”

What further study options are available after this course? 

Make a difference through graduate research

Build on your masters qualification to pursue a graduate research degree. Supported by a globally connected research community, you’ll collaborate with supervisors, experts and peers who share your passion for discovery and impact.

Through regular connection with peers, researchers and our global network of industry partners, you’ll develop strong connections with community and industry that open the door to an outstanding future.

Explore graduate research