Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Vision Science

The Bachelor of Vision Science is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to understand the science of sight, optical systems, and eye health. This program provides a pathway to the Master of Optometry, enabling graduates to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia to practice as an optometrist.

Program Overview

• The Bachelor of Vision Science is a three-year full-time or part-time equivalent program.
• It is offered on campus, with a mix of theoretical and practical learning, including hands-on labs and clinical exposure.
• The program is accredited with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).

Admission Requirements

• Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank, which can be achieved through Year 12 ATAR, other Australian qualifications, work experience, or overseas qualifications.
• Additional admission requirements include:
  • Clinical practice is a key component of the program and is assessed.
  • Students may be required to complete this component outside of teaching time.
  • Prior to commencing clinical practice, all students need to present a complete immunisation schedule and First Aid certificates, including CPR, as a requirement of the ACT and NSW health departments.
  • All students are required to undergo a 'working with vulnerable people' check, an Australian Federal Police Record Check prior to undertaking clinical experience in the ACT, and a NSW Police check before undertaking practice in NSW.
• Assumed knowledge includes:
  • ACT: Mathematical Methods major, Chemistry major, and Physics major.
  • NSW: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

Course Requirements

• The Bachelor of Vision Science requires the completion of 72 credit points.
• The program includes a range of units, such as:
  • Systemic Anatomy and Physiology
  • Evidence Based Medicine 1
  • Small Business Management
  • Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
  • Ophthalmic Optics
  • Assessment of Vision 1
  • Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology
  • Functional and Developmental Disorders of Vision
  • Assessment of Vision 2
  • Diseases of the Eye
  • Pharmacology for Health Professionals
  • Assessment of Vision 3
  • Integrated Eye Care and Ocular Therapeutics
  • Assessment of Ocular Health
  • Ocular Pharmacology
  • Professional Practice in Optometry
  • Understanding People and Behaviour
  • Professional Orientation (Health)
  • Patient-centred Communication
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Health Contexts
  • Introductory Clinical Reasoning and Practice
  • Clinical Optics and Dispensing

Typical Study Pattern

• The standard full-time study pattern for the Bachelor of Vision Science is as follows:
  • Year 1:
    • Semester 1: Ocular Anatomy and Physiology, Ophthalmic Optics, Professional Orientation (Health), Understanding People and Behaviour
    • Semester 2: Assessment of Vision 1, Evidence Based Medicine 1, Patient-centred Communication, Systemic Anatomy and Physiology
  • Year 2:
    • Semester 1: Assessment of Ocular Health, Functional and Developmental Disorders of Vision, Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Pharmacology for Health Professionals
    • Semester 2: Assessment of Vision 2, Diseases of the Eye, Ocular Pharmacology
  • Year 3:
    • Semester 1: Clinical Optics and Dispensing, Integrated Eye Care and Ocular Therapeutics, Introductory Clinical Reasoning and Practice
    • Semester 2: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Health Contexts, Assessment of Vision 3, Professional Practice in Optometry, Small Business Management

Learning Outcomes

• Graduates of the Bachelor of Vision Science will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental sciences underpinning health, optical, and vision sciences.
  2. Perform common optical and visual diagnostic assessments.
  3. Demonstrate a strong understanding of the dysfunctions and diseases of the eye.
  4. Demonstrate an awareness of the inter-disciplinary nature of health practitioners and health professions.
  5. Demonstrate awareness of and respect for individual human rights and cultural and social diversity.

Career Opportunities

• The Bachelor of Vision Science provides a pathway to a range of career opportunities, including:
  • Optometrist (with completion of the Master of Optometry)
  • Optical or vision science researcher
  • Ophthalmic or optical industry specialist
  • Public health and vision care advocate
  • Clinical or laboratory technician
  • Private practice and retailer
  • Health services manager

Awards and Honours

• The official abbreviation for the Bachelor of Vision Science is BVisSc.
• There are no honours available for this program.

Course Information

• The Bachelor of Vision Science is a Level 7 qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
• The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to pursue a career in the field of vision science.
• The course duration is three years full-time or part-time equivalent, with a maximum of six years from the date of enrolment to the date of course completion.