Optometry - Undergraduate options

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.

Undergraduate Optometry

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 five-year (10-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.

The first year Part I comprises prerequisite courses from the BSc Biomedical Science first year or equivalent from another New Zealand university (known as the Common or Overlapping Year).

Find more information about the Common or Overlapping Year

Parts II and III of the programme contain a mixture of courses in applicable life sciences and vision science and the basic optometric sciences (the courses are listed later in this handbook).

Parts IV and V of the programme are largely devoted to clinical practice, including specialist clinics in eye disease, contact lens fitting, problems of the partially sighted, colour vision assessment and binocular vision problems, in addition to the comprehensive eye examination clinics.

Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom)

To complete a BOptom you must pass courses totalling 480 points. This includes a set series of courses from Part II - V totalling 30 courses (480 points) and at least 2 courses (30 points) from courses listed in the General Education schedule approved for this degree. The courses you take in your first year of BSc Biomedical Science (120 points) count towards your BOptom.

Part I

• 90 points: BIOSCI 101, 106, 107, CHEM 110, PHYSICS 160, MEDSCI 142
• 15 points from courses listed in the Bachelor of Science Schedule, or POPLHTH 111

Part II

• 90 points: OPTOM 215, 262, 265, 272, MEDSCI 203
• 15 points from courses listed in the Bachelor of Science Schedule

Part III

• 120 points: OPTOM 313, 345, 353, 365, 375 MEDSCI 202

Part IV

• 120 points: OPTOM 415, 430, 440, 450, 472

Part V

• 120 points: OPTOM 510,520,560,570
• As required under regulations 7c, and with permission of the Head of Department, OPTOM 392,492,592

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.

For further information, refer to the Optometry and Vision Science Handbook.

Alternatively, staff at the Department of Optometry and Vision Science, located on Level 3 of Building 503 (85 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

• How to apply - undergraduates
  
• General Education requirements for undergraduates
• Postgraduate Optometry