Overview

The Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science), Master of Optometry requires 5 years of full-time study (or up to 8 years part-time). The double degree course is offered by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Student guidance

Program of study overview
Program of study notes

Program of study
180 Units

Year 136 Units
Year 236 Units
Year 336 Units
Year 436 Units
Year 536 Units

Admission requirements

Admission requirements
Assumed knowledge
Special requirements
English Language requirements

Aims

The overall aim of the double degree course is to prepare the graduate for beginning clinical practice as an optometrist in a range of urban, rural and remote settings; to be a well-informed health professional; and to acquire critical skills in appraising scientific and clinical information. In addition the double degree course is designed to produce graduates who as medical scientists are specialists in the area of vision science and possess well-developed skills to undertake a range of careers within the medical sciences. Students also gain the specialist knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes necessary to be registered by the Optometry Board of Australia as an optometrist.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course you will be able to:
1.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the fundamental science underpinning the fields of medical science and your science discipline and have a range of transferable professional skills
2.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the factors that influence sight and the visual system
3.
Undertake basic medical research utilising specialist skills and knowledge in at least one major area of science
4.
Contribute to developing and/or evaluating new treatments and strategies for health problems by employing specialist skills in a major area of science; and appreciate the cross-disciplinary nature of the medical sciences and work, as appropriate, with other health professionals
5.
Select and perform common diagnostic and therapeutic optometric procedures
6.
Identify and treat eye dysfunction and diseases within the scope of optometric therapeutic practice
7.
Communicate clearly and effectively with patients and other health professionals
8.
Meet the registration requirements of the Optometry Board of Australia

Student progression rules

Students achieving a GPA of at least 5 in both second and third year topics by the end of third year will be eligible to continue into the fourth year of the course. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement will be able to exit with Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science) on completion of 108 units according to the first three years of study in the degree.

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion or failure to complete the course within eight consecutive years may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Professional accreditation

Associations

Course/Exit award association
Double degree association