Program Overview

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Introduction to the Bachelor of Optometry

The University of Auckland offers New Zealand's only Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) degree, which qualifies students to work as optometrists. This five-year undergraduate program covers both Clinical Optometry and Vision Science.

Programme Overview

The BOptom program includes the study of basic physical and life sciences as they relate to the visual system. Students gain extensive knowledge of optics, the anatomy and physiology of vision, ocular pharmacology, pathology, therapeutics, and immunology.

Programme Highlights

• New Zealands only BOptom degree and one of only eight Australasian degrees accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand
• Accreditation as a registered optometrist, able to diagnose and treat eye diseases in New Zealand and Australia
• Clinical and business skill development, to help manage one's own practice or work in the public health sector
• The opportunity to complete the degree with honors
• Opportunities to develop communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills, particularly with children, the elderly, and the partially sighted

Entry Requirements

There are two application categories for entry into the BOptom: Undergraduate entry and Graduate entry.

Undergraduate Entry

To apply for the BOptom as an undergraduate student, one must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Auckland or the Health Sciences First Year at the University of Otago. This must be completed on a full-time basis and must include specific courses.

Required Courses for Undergraduate Entry

• Option A: Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Auckland
  • CHEM110: Chemistry of the Living World
  • BIOSCI107: Biology for Biomedical Science - Cellular Processes
  • MEDSCI142: Biology for Biomedical Science - Organ Systems
  • BIOSCI101: Life! Origins and Mechanisms
  • PHYSICS160: Physics for the Life Sciences
  • BIOSCI106: Molecules of Life
  • POPLHLTH111: Population Health
  • WTRSCI 100: Contemporary Science in Aotearoa, New Zealand
• Option B: University of Otago's Health Science First Year (HSFY)
  • CHEM191: The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health
  • CELS191: Cell and Molecular Biology
  • PHSI191: Biological Physics
  • BIOC192: Foundations of Biochemistry
  • HUBS192: Human Body Systems II
  • HUBS191: Human Body Systems I
  • PUBH192: Foundations of Epidemiology
  • Optional paper

Graduate Entry

To apply for the BOptom under the Graduate entry category, applicants must have completed a relevant degree/degrees on a full-time basis at a recognized university. The last year of full-time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application.

Programme Structure

The BOptom is a five-year qualification (600 points). The program structure includes:

Year 1 (120 points)

• BIOSCI 101: Life! Origins and Mechanisms
• BIOSCI 106: Foundations of Biochemistry
• BIOSCI 107: Biology for Biomedical Science: Cellular Processes
• PHYSICS 160: Physics for the Life Sciences
• POPLHLTH 111: Population Health
• CHEM 110: Chemistry of the Living World
• MEDSCI 142: Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems
• WTRSCI 100: Waipapa Taumata Rau

Year 2 (120 points)

• OPTOM 216: Introduction to Optometry
• OPTOM 263: Essential Optics
• OPTOM 272: Visual Science 1: Structure and Function of the Visual System
• MEDSCI 203: Mechanisms of Disease
• General Education course

Year 3 (120 points)

• OPTOM 316: Optometry
• OPTOM 345: Principles of Ocular Pharmacology
• OPTOM 353: Ocular Pathology
• OPTOM 375: Visual Science 2
• MEDSCI 202: Microbiology and Immunology

Year 4 (120 points)

• OPTOM 416: Clinical Optometry
• OPTOM 430: Contact Lens Practice
• OPTOM 442: Optometry for Special Populations
• OPTOM 450: Diseases of the Eye and Visual System: Diagnosis and Management
• OPTOM 783: Research Project in Vision Science

Year 5 (120 points)

• OPTOM 510: Advanced Clinical Optometry 1
• OPTOM 520: Advanced Clinical Optometry 2
• OPTOM 561: Optometry in Practice

Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: NZ$11,114.40 (2026 fees, indicative only)
• International students: NZ$68,723 (2026 fees, indicative only)
• Additional costs for the BOptom include purchasing prescribed texts and essential equipment, and potential costs associated with traveling to off-site practicum locations.

Career Opportunities

On graduation, students can be accredited as registered optometrists, able to diagnose and treat eye diseases in New Zealand and Australia. Career paths include private practice, hospitals, clinics, industry, or research.

Jobs Related to This Programme

• Registered optometrist

Further Study Options

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

Key Information for Students

The University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.