Seek Wisdom

If you're considering a career that combines cutting-edge science with meaningful human impact, UWA's Doctor of Optometry provides a pathway to develop as a skilled eye care professional with opportunities to engage in global experiences. Hear from some students who have found the course to be a highly engaging and rewarding experience. 

Make a real difference every day

"It is both important and rewarding to be involved in the management and treatment of patients, playing a key role in preserving their eye health and overall quality of life," shares Sarah Badaoui, a final-year student. 

The field offers immediate satisfaction, as Jayden Simpson discovered during his community work. When fitting a young girl with her first pair of spectacles, "her eyes sparkled and she turned to her younger brother, laughing, 'I can see you!'" These moments highlight how optometry contributes to patient care and helps support improved eye health and quality of life.  

UWA's course emphasises global citizenship through diverse placement opportunities. Students travel to remote Australian communities, with Sarah flying to various locations in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands for vision screenings. 

With up to 90% of vision loss being preventable or treatable when detected early, optometrists play an important role in promoting eye health and supporting early detection and treatment. 

Learn from experienced and internationally recognised experts 

At UWA, you'll be taught by internationally respected clinician-scientists who are leaders in their fields. Jayden describes the surreal experience of watching a lecturer deliver a keynote to hundreds of professionals, then receiving individual guidance from that same expert in clinic the next morning.

The Optometry division’s depth of clinical expertise and genuine enthusiasm for teaching has been among the most inspiring aspects of the course.”

State-of-the-art training facilities

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences include the Eye Health Centre of Western Australia, a purpose-built facility equipped with advanced diagnostic technologies for teaching purposes. 

The facility is well equipped, providing opportunities to learn on instruments similar to those used in professional practice," explains Sarah. 

By graduation, students typically participate in over 600 patient consultations, gaining substantial practical experience to support their preparation for professional practice.

Global opportunities and cultural competence

UWA's course emphasises global citizenship through diverse placement opportunities. Students travel to remote Australian communities, with Sarah flying to various locations in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands for vision screenings. 

International placements span from Vietnam to India to the United States. Current student Ben Anderson described his Hanoi experience as "incredibly rewarding, both culturally and clinically."

“Over six weeks, I participated in a team of optometrists and ophthalmologists to deliver comprehensive eyecare to hundreds of patients a day.” “I felt honoured to represent UWA as a global citizen.”

Strong community and career support

The vibrant student community, centred around OSWA (Optometry Students Western Australia), organises 34 events annually, from educational sessions with world-renowned speakers to networking opportunities with industry professionals. 

As Jayden notes, "my peers have become some of my closest colleagues and most reliable supports."

 Step into a career in optometry

Graduates are well-positioned for diverse career paths. The course's strong connections to community, combined with comprehensive training in clinical skills, research, and cultural competence, prepare you for roles ranging from community practice to hospital settings, research, and global health initiatives.

UWA's Doctor of Optometry course will help equip you to join a community committed to preserving sight, improving lives, and creating a more equitable world, one patient at a time.

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.