Optometry

Taught by the Department of Optometry and Vision Science, the BOptom is an undergraduate degree. It is also possible to complete a MSc and PhD in Optometry at postgraduate level.

Optometry is the clinical application of visual science. It is the study of the basic physical and life sciences as they relate to the visual system, and the study of visual mechanisms, including colour and form perception, focussing properties and eye coordination. The role of the optometrist is to examine the eyes and the visual system, diagnose visual problems, advise of the prevention of eye problems, and prescribe and provide spectacles and contact lenses.

Visit the Department of Optometry and Vision Science website

Important note:

The regulations listed below apply to students enrolling in their first undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Auckland after 2005. New undergraduate students should also ensure they are familiar with the General Education requirements.

Transition students (students currently enrolled in a degree at Auckland before 2006 and not yet completed) should refer to the Transition Regulations for requirements.

In addition to extensive knowledge in vision science, the BOptom will give you skills in communication, empathy and problem-solving, particularly when providing services to children, the elderly and the partially sighted.

The BOptom degree is a four-year (8-semester) full-time set programme. It includes courses in ocular anatomy and physiology, optics and visual science. It also includes general optometric practice and the various aspects of clinical optometry.

If you wish to be considered for a place in the BOptom, you will first need to complete six prescribed courses within the BSc (known as the Common or Overlapping Year). If accepted into the BOptom, you are therefore looking at a minimum total of five years full-time study.

Find more information about the Common or Overlapping Year

To complete a BOptom you must pass courses totalling 480 points. This includes a set series of courses from Part I - IV totalling 30 courses (450 points) and at least 2 courses (30 points) from courses listed in the General Education schedule approved for this degree.

Find more information about General Education

Part I

• 90 points from OPTOM 110, 161, 165, 171, MEDSCI 203
• 30points from approved General Education courses

Part II

• 105 points from OPTOM 211, 245, 251, 260, 270, MEDSCI 202
• 15 points from courses listed in the BSc Schedule

Part III

• 120 points from OPTOM 312, 330, 341, 352, 372

Part IV

• 120 points from OPTOM 410, 420, 462, 470, 480

PGDipSci - Optometry

Prerequisite: A BOptom, or an equivalent qualification approved by the Head of Department

Requirement:

• 120 points from OPTOM 711-787

or

• At least 90 points from OPTOM 711-787
• Up to 30 further points, subject to approval by the Head of the Department, from approved 600 or 700 level courses in a related subject

MSc - Optometry

Prerequisite: A BOptom or a PGDipSci in Optometry

Requirement:

• 120 points from OPTOM 796 MSc Thesis in Optometry

For further information, refer to the Optometry and Vision Science handbook or the Faculty of Science Undergraduate Prospectus.

Alternatively, staff at the Department of Optometry and Vision Science, located on Level 4 of Building 502(Park Road, Grafton Road), can help you with general enquiries and refer you on to the relevant academic advisors. Their opening hours are 8.30am - 5pm.

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 89925
Email: optometry@auckland.ac.nz
Web: www.optometry.auckland.ac.nz

When you have completed your BOptom, you may apply for registration as an optometrist with the NZ Opticians Board or State Board of Australia. There are opportunities in private practice, in hospitals, research, teaching and industry.