Bachelor of Optometry

Program Overview

The University of Auckland's Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) is a 5-year program that qualifies graduates to work as registered optometrists in New Zealand and Australia. The program covers both Clinical Optometry and Vision Science, providing students with the skills and knowledge to diagnose and treat eye diseases. Graduates can work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, or research. The program is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand.

Program Outline

The program covers both Clinical Optometry and Vision Science, including the study of basic physical and life sciences, optics, the anatomy and physiology of vision, ocular pharmacology, pathology, therapeutics, and immunology.

Highlights:

• Accreditation: This program is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand, allowing you to work as a registered optometrist in both countries.
• Skills Development: You will gain clinical and business skills to manage your own practice or work in the public health sector.
• Honors Option: You have the opportunity to complete your degree with honors.
• Communication and Problem-Solving: You will learn to communicate effectively, show empathy, and solve problems, particularly in working with children, the elderly, and the partially sighted.

Points to Remember:

• Entry criteria may change annually.
• School leavers are encouraged to apply under the Undergraduate entry category.
• Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed (MMI).
• Special entry schemes are available for domestic students.

Outline:

Duration:

5 years (600 points)

Structure:

• Part I: First year of the Bachelor of Science (usually Biomedical Science, or equivalent program)
• Parts II-III:
• Core courses in applicable life sciences, vision and optometric sciences, anatomy and physiology of vision, mechanisms of disease, and optics and visual science.
• General optometric practice and aspects of clinical optometry.
• Parts IV-V:
• Contact lenses, paediatric optometry, and binocular vision.
• Eye diseases and treatments.
• Advanced clinical optometry.
• Research project.
• Practical experience through clinics and external placements.
• Two General Education courses (30 points total).

Sample Programme Structure:

• Year 1: 120 points
• Essential Biology: From Genomes to Organisms (15 pts)
• Foundations of Biochemistry (15 pts)
• Biology for Biomedical Science: Cellular Processes and Development (15 pts)
• Physics for the Life Sciences (15 pts)
• Population Health (15 pts)
• Chemistry of the Living World (15 pts)
• Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems (15 pts)
• General Education course (15 pts)
• Year 2: 120 points
• Introduction to Optometry (30 pts)
• Essential Optics (30 pts)
• Visual Science 1: Structure and Function of the Visual System (30 pts)
• Mechanisms of Disease (15 pts)
• General Education course (15 pts)
• Year 3: 120 points
• Optometry (60 pts)
• Principles of Ocular Pharmacology (15 pts)
• Ocular Pathology (15 pts)
• Visual Science 2 (15 pts)
• Microbiology and Immunology (15 pts)
• Year 4: 120 points
• Clinical Optometry (30 pts)
• Contact Lens Practice (15 pts)
• Diseases of the Eye and Visual System: Diagnosis and Management (30 pts)
• Research Project in Vision Science (30 pts)
• Year 5: 120 points
• Advanced Clinical Optometry 1 (30 pts)
• Advanced Clinical Optometry 2 (30 pts)

Careers:

On Graduation:

• You can be accredited as a registered optometrist in New Zealand and Australia.
• You can diagnose and treat eye diseases.
• You can work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, or research.

Jobs related to this program:

• Registered optometrist

Further study options:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Science
• Master of Science
• Master of Health Sciences

Other:

• Students need to take one or two General Education courses.
• Students should be aware of the University's Academic English Language Requirement.
• Additional costs may include prescribed texts, essential equipment, and travel for practicums.
• The University is not involved in graduate employment and cannot guarantee post-qualification registration or employment.

Note: