Program Overview

Master of Optometry

The Master of Optometry is a two-year program that provides students with advanced knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attributes related to the optometry profession. The course incorporates the latest research and technology and has been developed by a group comprising academics, practitioners, and representatives from international optometry companies and independent practitioners.

About this Course

This course includes a high volume of work-integrated learning to allow students to gain clinical practice experience in optometry. Placements are only provided on a full-time basis and will require interstate travel. Accommodation and transport costs are the student's responsibility. Students will be expected to purchase specialist optometry equipment prior to going on placement during their studies for the Master of Optometry. Students should expect to spend around $5,000 on equipment, which has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can expect employment as or in the following sectors:

• Optometrist
• Private practice and retailer
• Vision-related government and non-government organisations
• Hospitals
• Health clinics and services
• Research institutes
• Optometrist in a state government hospital and health service
• Clinical optometrist in an ophthalmic surgery practice
• Community outreach optometrist

Course-Specific Information

Prior to undertaking any clinical placement, students will be required to:

• Undertake a National Police Check
• Obtain a Working with Vulnerable People registration
• Provide their immunisation history
• Have a qualification in First Aid, including CPR

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). Successful completion of both the Bachelor of Vision Science and the Master of Optometry course at the University of Canberra will allow graduates the chance to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia to practice as an optometrist.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Optometry (374JA) is only open to students who have completed the Bachelor of Vision Science (372JA) at the University of Canberra. Applicants who are studying a Bachelor of Vision Science from another institution are encouraged to apply for admission into the Bachelor of Vision Science (372JA) at UC to become eligible for the Masters. These applicants are eligible to apply for consideration of credit towards a UC Bachelor of Vision Science (in accordance with UC's credit policy and procedure) to reduce the duration of this course.

Additional Admission Requirements

Limited Commonwealth-supported places (CSPs) are available for this course and will be awarded on academic merit. To be considered for a CSP, please note the application deadline. Eligible applicants will be notified accordingly.

Assumed Knowledge

None.

Periods Course is Open for New Admissions

The course is open for new admissions in the following periods:

• Year: 2026, Location: Bruce, Canberra, Teaching period: Semester 1, Teaching start date: 16 February 2026
• Year: 2027, Location: Bruce, Canberra, Teaching period: Semester 1, Teaching start date: 15 February 2027

Credit Arrangements

There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.

Course Requirements

The Master of Optometry requires 48 credit points as follows:

• Research Planning PG (6486) - 3 credit points, Level P
• Research Project in Health PG (9592) - 3 credit points, Level P
• Advanced Primary Care Optometry PG (10328) - 9 credit points, Level P
• Optometry for Special Populations PG (10329) - 9 credit points, Level P
• Assessment of Optometric Competence PG (10330) - 3 credit points, Level P
• Community Optometry PG (10331) - 9 credit points, Level P
• Optometry Residency PG (10412) - 9 credit points, Level P
• Optometry in Practice PG (10413) - 3 credit points, Level P

Typical Study Pattern

The standard full-time study pattern for the Master of Optometry at UC - Canberra, Bruce, commencing in Semester 1, is as follows:

• Year 1, Semester 1: Optometry for Special Populations PG (10329), Research Planning PG (6486)
• Year 1, Semester 2: Advanced Primary Care Optometry PG (10328), Research Project in Health PG (9592)
• Year 2, Semester 1: Optometry Residency PG (10412), Optometry in Practice PG (10413)
• Year 2, Semester 2: Assessment of Optometric Competence PG (10330), Community Optometry PG (10331)

Course Information

• Course duration: Standard 2 years full-time, maximum 6 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.
• Learning outcomes:
  • Demonstrate the professional attributes necessary for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics.
  • Demonstrate the requisite knowledge for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics.
  • Demonstrate the requisite skills for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics.
  • Critique, synthesise, and apply evidence from research and science to inform optometric practice.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the inter-professional nature of the health profession and its diverse cultural and social setting.
• Awards: Master of Optometry (MOpt)
• Enrolment data: 44 students enrolled in 2023 at UC - Canberra, Bruce.