How long does it take to become an optometrist in Melbourne?

Optometry is a dynamic and challenging healthcare specialisation that trains you to examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system and the eyes.

Training in Optometry at Melbourne will give you professional accreditation and a professional entry qualification.

You will start with a Bachelor of Biomedicine or a Bachelor of Science and study biological sciences.

Next, you will complete the Doctor of Optometry to qualify as a professionally accredited optometrist.

A satisfying career caring for people’s vision.

Job growth

Projected job growth in 5 years

What's it like to be an Optometrist?

An Optometrist is a health care professional who provides primary eyecare through comprehensive eye examinations to detect and treat various visual abnormalities and eye diseases. They have an intimate knowledge of the workings of the eye and visual systems. Optometrists use a variety of complex techniques and instruments to understand their patients’ needs.

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How to become an Optometrist


To work as an Optometrist, you will need to complete a degree in optometry that is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).


  1. Complete a relevant degree such as the Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry. This double degree usually takes between 3.5–5 years of full-time study. Entry is based on Year 12 results and performance in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
  2. Alternatively, if you have already completed an undergraduate degree, complete a Doctor of Optometry. This course usually takes 4 years of full-time study. Entry is based on prior academic performance, as well as performance in the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).
  3. Register with the Optometry Board of Australia to practise as an Optometrist.

SEEK users who have worked as an Optometrist have studied these qualifications.

Skills and experience employers are looking for

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Optometry

Patient Care

AHPRA Registration

Results Focused

Problem Identification

Problem Solving

Solutions Focused

Multitasking

Customer Service

Team Work


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Is Optometrist the right role for me?


Job market trends for Optometrists

Projected job growth

National increase over next 5 years

Source: LMIP. Optometrists and Orthoptists

Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Role Reviews

Latest Optometrist reviews

Latest reviews from 12 Optometrists surveyed on SEEK

Optometry is as satisfying as you make it, but you need to find the right work environment for you and put in the effort.

Reviewer's Qualification

Bachelor of Optometry/Bachelor of Science

Organisation size

I'm self-employed

Specialisation

Primary Eye Care

The good things

This is a career that offers much flexibility in hours and days. Don't do it for the money. The best thing about it is the satisfaction you get from helping patients, looking after them long-term, var...

The challenges

You won't make millions unless you get very creative with business and expand. However, you can make a decent income. There are many retail pressures, and many of my colleagues are burnt out from work...

Read more

Reviewer's Qualification

Bachelor of Optometry

Organisation size

Small (1-19 employees)

Specialisation

Laser vision surgery

The good things

Great salary and very easy job. Work life balance is good especially for women with children

The challenges

Very little career progression and not much variety

Read more

Source: SEEK Role Reviews

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How long does it take to become an optometrist Australia?

In Australia the optometry degree is generally 4 years when you are entering as a university graduate. Following on from an undergraduate degree that is at least 3 years, this pathway takes at least 7 years.

How do I become an optometrist in Victoria?

Training in Optometry at Melbourne will give you professional accreditation and a professional entry qualification. You will start with a Bachelor of Biomedicine or a Bachelor of Science and study biological sciences. Next, you will complete the Doctor of Optometry to qualify as a professionally accredited optometrist.

How many years does it take to complete optometry?

To become Optometrists, you have completed 4 year bachelor degree program, preferably in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or physiology. You will require a bachelor's degree to apply for optometry programs. Optometry programs typically take an additional four years to complete.

Do optometrists get paid well in Australia?

The average annual salary for Optometrist jobs in Australia ranges from $110,000 to $125,000.