How to become an optometrist - The University of Melbourne

How long will it take?

3 yearsBachelor degree

4 yearsDoctor of Optometry

Why study with us?

Learn a dynamic and challenging healthcare specialisation that trains you to examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system and the eyes.

Start with a Bachelor of Biomedicine or a Bachelor of Science and study biological sciences, then complete the Doctor of Optometry to qualify as a professionally accredited optometrist.

Career outcomes

What can I study?

What are the study options?

Standard entry

1. Undergraduate degree

First you must meet the entry requirements for your undergraduate degree.

Undergraduate subjects that are eligible for credit in the Doctor of Optometry are:

Second year: Perceptions, Illusions and Art (OPTO20004), The Science of Vision (OPTO20005)
Third year: Ocular Anatomy and Physiology (OPTO30008), Visual Neuroscience (OPTO30007)

2. Graduate degree

The Doctor of Optometry also has specific prerequisite and grade entry requirements to be considered for entry. Specifically, you must complete three subjects from one of more relevant biological science disciplines at a second and third year level.

The GAMSAT, MCAT or OAT is no longer a compulsory requirement for admission to the Doctor of Optometry program.

graduateDoctor of Optometry

Scholarships and guaranteed study pathways

Graduate Degree Packages

The University also offers guaranteed entry to high–achieving domestic and international students who have completed an Australian Year 12 or the IB in Australia based on your ATAR.

Discover more about Graduate Degree Packages

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars are guaranteed a place into the graduate degree of their choice following successful completion of their undergraduate degree.

Discover more about Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholars

Scholarships

The University offers a range of scholarships at both undergraduate and graduate level.

Find a scholarship that's right for you

Guaranteed entry

Guaranteed entry means you’ll have the peace of mind of a secure graduate pathway with us without having to make any big decisions from Year 12. You will also be able to leave Melbourne with an undergraduate qualification if you decide further study isn’t right for you.

Discover more about guaranteed entry

Looking for personalised advice?

Find out more about our graduate degrees and get support with your application. Speak to our expert staff online, via phone or at an upcoming event. You can also register to learn more about your course options and opportunities via email.

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Why study at the University of Melbourne

A meaningful career

Make a difference to people’s lives from day one with hands-on learning and clinical placements at leading health organisations.

Taught by leading experts

Learn from academics doing groundbreaking research across health fields.

Placement opportunities

The opportunity to undertake clinical training at metropolitan, rural and overseas sites as part of their final year of study.