Postgraduate

Doctor of Optometry

As a Doctor of Optometry you can make a difference to the health of our community by detecting, diagnosing and managing the increasing eye complications from chronic diseases and conditions suffered by millions of Australians.

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Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

To practice as an optometrist in Australia, all graduates are required to register with the Optometry Board of Australia. Graduates can take advantage of high employment rates, with employment opportunities in varied industries such as the private sector, government, not-for-profit and other agencies. You could become a private practitioner in a community practice or hospital based optometrist or explore a career in academia or research.  
 
To practice as an optometrist in Australia, all graduates are required to register with the Optometry Board of Australia. Graduates can take advantage of high employment rates, with employment opportunities in varied industries such as the private sector, government, not-for-profit and other agencies. You could become a private practitioner in a community practice or hospital based optometrist or explore a career in academia or research.  
 

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual course fee
2025
Commonwealth Supported Place $10,248.76

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Full Fee Paying course fees

There is a limit on how much you can borrow from the Australian Government to cover the costs of your tuition fees. This means that the tuition fee for this course will not be fully covered and there is a gap payment required beyond the HELP loan. More information visit Study Assist and the UWA Fee Calculator.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

Indicative first year fee
2024
$44,075.00
2025
$46,500.00

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

University graduate

Graduate entry to Optometry

Bachelor degree in Biomedical Science holders or students who are in progress of their first bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science may be eligible to apply for graduate entry into the Doctor of Optometry (OD). Students who are in progress of their first bachelor’s degree may apply during their final year, with any course offer being conditional on completion of all bachelor’s degree requirements by 31 December of the year prior to commencement in the OD.

Graduate entry into the OD is a competitive process based on selection WAM and an interview. Places are limited and are awarded to the highest-ranking applicants.

University graduate
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

Selection WAM Calculation

The selection Weighted Average Mark (sWAM) forms part of the eligibility and selection criteria for entry into this course. The UWA Admissions team will calculate the sWAM. Applicants must meet the specified minimum sWAM to be considered for a place in this course.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

Quota eligibility

Your quota eligibility will define your entry pathway and minimum requirements for consideration. You will be ranked for course offers against other eligible applicants within your quota, and you may be eligible for one or more subquotas within this course. 
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place. 

Graduate applicants require at least two successful years of full-time or equivalent degree studies undertaken in Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America. Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.0 and no band less than 7.0. For more information visit ELC requirements.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

Interviews

The School of Allied Health will interview shortlisted eligible applicants. Shortlisting for interviews will take place after applications have closed.

The interview allows shortlisted candidates to display some of the personal qualities considered desirable in Allied Health practitioners.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

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Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

We can’t wait for you to join us!  

Apply now

Course details

The Doctor of Optometry (OD) is an exciting postgraduate course designed to meet the growing demand for eyecare in Australia. This course prepares you with the professional attributes and skills required for opportunities in professional practice, so you can deliver safe and responsive person-centred care. Theory and problem-based learning will direct you through the program. The Doctor of Optometry will see you regularly apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world situations, with an emphasis on clinical practice in metro, rural and remote regions of WA, eyecare research and integration into public and private eyecare pathways. Your hands-on and industry supported degree has strong employment and salary prospects.

 

About the course

The Doctor of Optometry is a three-year program that combines on-campus teaching and clinical placements. You will be trained in the early detection, diagnosis, treatment and management of eye diseases and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system. The course content and teaching is based on the competency standards for optometrists in Australia and New Zealand, which are: professional responsibilities; communication; patient examination; diagnosis and management; and health information management.
Doctor of Optometry

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time only
Delivery
  • On-campus
  • Off-site professional placement
Starting dates
  • January
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 91590
CRICOS code
  • 0101919
Doctor of Optometry
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time only
Delivery
  • On-campus
  • Off-site professional placement
Starting dates
  • January
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 91590
CRICOS code
  • 0101919
Full time/part time duration
  • Three years
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Doctor of Optometry

Important dates

Intake Periods
  • January 2025
Application Open
Application Close
  • Saturday 31 August 2024 for domestic and international students.

Refer to Admissions Requirements for information on eligibility criteria and how to apply.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Optometry Students Western Australia (OSWA)

Optometry Students Western Australia (OSWA) represents all students studying under the Doctor of Optometry at UWA. OSWA aims to support current and future optometry students by extending their networks and running events, including study nights, industry evenings, peer-mentoring, welfare events and the Annual OSWA Eyeball! Find them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for optometry student life!

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Doctor of Optometry

Placement opportunities

As part of your study, students will gain hands-on direct patient experience through extended clinical placements with industry partners including Lions Eye Institute and its Lions Outback Vision division, Specsavers and Luxottica across metropolitan, regional and remote areas of Western Australia.

 

 

Doctor of Optometry
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Health Students' Society

The Health Students' Society (HSS) is a student-run, not-for-profit organisation for undergraduates completing health-related majors at UWA. HSS provides social and education opportunities and encourages students to make the most of their time on campus and of university life. HSS offers a support network for members during their degrees and aims to enhance the university experience and raise the profile of graduates to prospective employees.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Doctor of Optometry

Top reasons to study Optometry at UWA

  1. Optometry is a recognised degree in Australia and New Zealand
  2. Meets the increasing demand for eye-care services and the undersupply of optometry in Australia
  3. Extended clinical placements in metro, regional and remote areas with direct patient experience
  4. Exposure to renowned clinicians and researchers through established partnerships with Lions Eye Institute, Lions Outback Vision, SpecSavers, Luxottica and other industry leaders
  5. Undertake a research project with leading institutions including the Lions Eye Institute
 

Doctor of Optometry

Doctor of Optometry

The future looks bright - 15.7% projected job growth nationally over the next 5 years
DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY

Our facilities

As an optometry student you have access to a range of world-class facilities that will enhance your learning while at UWA.
These include:

DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY

Closing the Gap for Aboriginal Health - hear from Indigenous optometry students Shahnaz and Katrina

Hear from our current student

Thi Huynh

What I’ve enjoyed most about studying optometry so far is jumping straight into pre-clinical studies! We have been given amazing facilities at UWA that emulate a clinical room in an optometric practice, with the appropriate equipment and tutors to guide us through our clinical practical's. Very quickly learning and applying clinical information has been challenging but rewarding. I’ve also very much enjoyed meeting the vast array of people involved in optometry. From our academic staff, optometrists and dispensers in our communities and optometry students from other universities. Everyone has an incredible amount of knowledge to share.

Hear from our current student

Optometry post-study work options

As an accredited and approved higher education provider with the Government of Western Australia, eligible International students who successfully complete studies at UWA, have a number of options available for them to stay in Australia to gain valuable work and life experiences.  

 

Optometry is a skill in high demand within Western Australia and throughout Australia, particularly in rural and remote regions. By studying a Doctor of Optometry at UWA, there may be visa options available to allow you to stay in Australia for a short or longer period of time. 

Course Accreditation

The Doctor of Optometry program is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). Graduates will be eligible to register to practise as an Optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.

Industry 

Lions Eye Institute

The Doctor of Optometry (OD) is supported by the Lions Eye Institute and industry, and represents a unique collaboration between the optometry and ophthalmology disciplines that will herald the start of a new era in eye health care in Western Australia.


Industry 
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Optometrist rate their role as 4.3 / 5 job satisfaction