The Doctor of Optometry at The University of Western Australia offers a rich educational experience designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in eye care.
Gain insight into the course’s strengths and opportunities through the perspectives of current students: Sarah Badaoui, Jayden Simpson, and Ben Anderson.
A personal calling to eye care
Many students are drawn to optometry through personal experiences.
Jayden Simpson was inspired by his grandmother’s journey with macular degeneration, where he saw clinicians combine scientific expertise with empathy.
Sarah Badaoui values the chance to improve lives by enhancing vision, while Ben Anderson’s interest stems from a family history of eye disease.
Facilities and mentorship
Students benefit from access to modern diagnostic technologies at the Eye Health Centre of Western Australia. Educators include clinician-scientists who contribute to both research and teaching. Jayden remembers attending a keynote from a professor, and later receiving hands-on guidance from the same expert in clinic.
Clinical exposure and outreach
The course emphasises early clinical experience. By second year, students begin consulting with patients under supervision.
Many participate in outreach, such as Sarah’s week in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands performing vision screenings, or Ben’s placement in Hanoi, Vietnam, where he assisted in delivering eye care in high-volume settings.
Community engagement and research
Students can engage in initiatives like the UWA Lions Eye Institute clinic, which serves refugees, asylum seekers, and First Nations peoples.
Sarah co-founded Sight Beyond Borders, who are planning to offer free screenings to underserved communities in the near future. The research component allows students to contribute to projects alongside experienced mentors.
Student life and career development
The Optometry Students of Western Australia (OSWA) club at UWA fosters community and professional growth. Under Jayden’s leadership, the club hosted numerous events that brought students together, while faculty provided mentorship and industry connections.
As students approach graduation, many express a desire to expand access to eye care and uphold high standards of clinical practice. The Doctor of Optometry course at UWA aims to equip graduates with the skills and values needed to make a positive impact in the field.
Learn more about the Doctor of Optometry here.
The Doctor of Optometry (91590) is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration to practice as an optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.
Course Code: 91590CRICOS Code: 0101919
Duration: 3 years full time
Campus: Perth, Western Australia
Teaching mode: Face-to-face
Intake: January
Information is current as at August 2025.
