Optometrists are generally the first point of contact for people experiencing vision or eye concerns, performing eye examinations to assess problems and determine the appropriate treatment options. They work in retail settings, private practices and hospitals. To become an optometrist in Australia, you will need an appropriate tertiary qualification in optometry at either an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Show
Being an optometrist: daily dutiesOptometrists perform eye examinations to identify issues and conditions and prescribe treatments to address these problems. This might include prescribing eye glasses, vision therapy, a range of optical aids, medicated eye drops or referral to specialists in serious cases. Many optometrists work in retail settings and also have a sales role. Optometrists must keep accurate records of patients’ prescriptions and treatments.
Being an optometrist: skills for successA thorough understanding of eye conditions and treatment options is necessary to become an optometrist. The ability to work well with other people from a diverse range of backgrounds and good communication skills are also necessary, as well as a caring manner. A high level of attention to detail and the ability to work precisely is critical to success in this field. Optometrists also need to have well-developed analytical and problem solving skills. Skills/attributes
Specialised roles within healthOptometry is already a very specialised field of work and there are not a lot of further specialisations available. However many optometrists move into full-time sales positions while others move into management roles or become owners of their own practices. SalesBecause optometrists often work in retail settings, over time many decide they prefer the sales aspect of the business. Sales specialists have expertise in different brands and styles of glasses and optical aids and advise their clients on the best solutions to their needs. Private practiceIn addition to the day-to-day tasks of an optometrist, managers and owners of private practices are responsible for managing staff and budgets, administrative tasks and training and development. Educational pathways for optometristsAn optometry degree – either at undergraduate or postgraduate level – is essential to work as an optometrist in Australia.  A vocational qualification in allied health is a great stepping stone in your career. Build your customer service and sales skills with a targeted vocational course. Take your career to the next level with a business management course that will allow you to move into management. To practise as an optometrist in Australia, you must be registered with the Optometry Board of Australia. Put your training to good use and get the best professional head start in your health career. Emphasise your personal strengths and achievements in your resume and target your cover letter to the job description listed. There is strong growth predicted in this field over the next few years, and optometrists are generally paid very well. However this is a small field and in some locations job opportunities are limited. Careers and further studyExplore the career opportunities available to you. Career PathwaysTo 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. Career PathwaysTo 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 scholarshipsLearn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. Domestic Fees The Annual Fee is an estimate only based on a standard annual study load of 48 points. (Courses may teach up to 72
points in a year) FFP CSP Course Credit Points 192 Average Annual Fee (CSP only) - 2022 $8,825.24 Typical Fee Range (CSP only) - 2022 $3,985.00 - $14,630.00 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. Doctor of Optometry fees explained *Fees are an estimate based on proposed fees for 2022 for the approved full-time course structure. Fees are indicative and subject to annual review. DOMESTIC
FEES* Postgraduate - fee paying students Annual fee, year 1: $33,600 (48 credit points) Total course fee: $134,400 INTERNATIONAL FEES* Annual
fee, year 1: $39,400 (48 credit points) Total course fee: $157,600 UWA Fee calculator Australian Government Loan Schemes Cost of livingThere 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. Cost of livingInternational Fees Postgraduate – onshore studentsAnnual course fees are calculated based on a standard annual study load of 48 credit points. Course Credit Points 192 Total Course Fee - 2021 $152,400.00 Total Course Fee - 2022 $157,600.00 Course feesDoctor of Optometry fees explained *Fees are an estimate based on proposed fees for 2022 for the approved full-time course structure. Fees are indicative and subject to annual review. DOMESTIC FEES* Postgraduate - fee paying students Annual fee, year 1: $33,600 (48 credit points) Total course fee: $134,400 INTERNATIONAL FEES* Annual fee, year 1: $39,400 (48 credit points) Total course fee: $157,600 UWA Fee calculator Australian Government Loan Schemes Course feesScholarshipsScholarships 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 livingThere 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. Cost of livingAdmission requirementsIf you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate degree, find out the admission details below. Admission RequirementsTo be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have— Admission RequirementsTo be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have— Ranking and Selection ProcessWhere relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on— Ranking and Selection ProcessWhere relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on— ADMISSION REQUIREMENT English competencyEnglish 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. ADMISSION REQUIREMENT English competency
How to applyReady 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 detailsThe Doctor of Optometry (DOpt) is an exciting new postgraduate course designed to meet the growing demand for eyecare in Australia. This course prepares you with the professional attributes and skills required for 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 courseThe 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. About the courseAvailable for 2021 entry, 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. In the first year, you’ll gain a thorough foundation of the vision sciences and begin to develop patient care skills. This strong base will underpin the development of your skills for optometry practice in year two. In third year you’ll benefit from extended clinical placements with industry partners in metro, regional and remote areas of WA, offering hands-on direct patient experience. UWA has partnered with Lions Eye Institute, Lions Outback Vision, SpecSavers, Luxottica and other optometry industry leaders to deliver the course and offer clinical placements across Western Australia. Doctor of Optometry Quick detailsLocations
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Delivery
Level of study
Course Code
CRICOS code
Doctor of Optometry Quick detailsLocations
Attendance
Delivery
Level of study
Course Code
CRICOS code
Full time/part time duration
Degrees course is available in
Course structurePostgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information. Course structure detailsDOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY Application deadlinesFor February 2023 entry applications:
For more info refer to the Doctor of Optometry admissions page DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY Application deadlinesDoctor of Optometry Top reasons to study Optometry at UWA
Doctor of Optometry Top reasons to study Optometry at UWA
Doctor of Optometry
The future looks bright - 15.7% projected job growth nationally over the next 5 years DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY Our facilitiesDOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY Our facilitiesCLUBS AND SOCIETIES Health Students' SocietyThe 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 Health Students' SocietyCLUBS 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 Optometry Students Western Australia (OSWA)Doctor of Optometry Placement opportunitiesAs 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 Placement opportunitiesThe Lions Eye Institute has clinics in up to four locations across Western Australia – Nedlands, Murdoch, Midland and soon to be Broome. It also houses the Lions Eye Bank, Lions Optics, Lions Outback Vision and the Lions Save-Sight Foundation WA. Through these partnerships and placement opportunities, the Doctor of Optometry will establish Western Australia as global leader in the education of eye professionals, producing high-calibre optometrists with practical experience, research expertise and community focus. The most common salary in WA for an Optometrist is between $120k and $150k Hear from our current student Thi HuynhWhat 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 Thi HuynhOptometry post-study work optionsAs 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. Optometry post-study work optionsOptometry 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. Visas that may be of relevance to students who have studied Doctor of Optometry, include:
A range of factors influence eligibility for these longer visa options, including:
To seek further information about some of the options available, you are advised to consult the following Australian Government Visa list, as well as seek advice from officially registered Australian migration agents. * Correct as at time of publication. Course AccreditationCourse AccreditationIndustry Lions Eye InstituteThe Doctor of Optometry (DOpt) 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 Lions Eye InstituteThe Lions Eye Institute (LEI) is a not-for-profit centre of excellence that combines world class scientific research into the prevention of blindness with the highest level of eye-care delivery. It incorporates one of Australia’s largest ophthalmic practices, including a Day Surgery unit, a Laser Vision Centre and Lions Outback Vision which will be accessible to our students during their clinical placements. Students studying the DOpt will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with the Lions Eye Institute’s scientists and clinicians on their research projects - which have a focus on early detection, diagnosis, treatment and management of eye diseases, and rehabilitation of ocular conditions. The Lions Eye Institute’s clear point of difference – underpinning its success, is its ability to translate science into practical outcomes coupled with technology and innovation leadership that save people’s sight. Optometrist rate their role as 4.3 / 5 job satisfaction VIDEO Why study postgrad?
Why study postgrad?
Future StudentsHow long does it take to become a optometrist in Australia?How Long Does It Take To Become an Optometrist in Australia? To become an optometrist takes three and a half to seven years, depending on the university you attend. Generally, the high school pathway takes between 3.5 to 5 years, whereas the graduate pathway takes around seven years to complete.
Is optometrist a good career in Australia?Optometry is an extremely rewarding career choice that we encourage you to consider. We believe that a career in optometry and the vision sciences will provide you with immense satisfaction as you will play a key role in helping individuals and communities to protect and care for their eye health and vision.
Are optometrists in demand in Australia?In 2018, a report by Deloitte Access Economics was commissioned by Specsavers which investigated the supply and demand of Australia's optometric workforce until 2037. The report outlined that the demand for optometric services would grow from 9.4 million in 2018 to almost 18.1 million by 2037.
Do optometrists get paid well in Australia?The average optometrist salary in Australia is $127,250 per year or $65.26 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $111,774 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $150,000 per year.
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