Bachelor of Optometry [last intake: 2009]
Description
Please note, 2009 will be the last undergraduate intake into the Bachelor of Optometry. Optometry will be offered as a graduate program, with the first intake in 2011.
Optometry is a primary health care profession that helps people who have visual problems. The practice of optometry involves the diagnosis and treatment of dysfunctions of the eye and vision.
Graduates are entitled to practice optometry in all states and territories of Australia and New Zealand. The qualification is accepted in several Asian countries including Malaysia and Singapore. Graduates can obtain registration in the United Kingdom after completing a pre-registration year of supervised clinical practice and passing the professional examinations at the end of that year. Recognition in other countries can be confirmed by checking with the relevant government authority.
The Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) is a five-year degree reflecting the scope of practice of optometry legislated by the Victorian State Government. In Victoria, optometry practice covers therapeutic treatment of ocular disease, requiring additional training compared with programs in other states. The University of Melbourne is the only optometry school in Australia to offer a Bachelor of Optometry program that encompasses therapeutic management of ocular disease. Other states have either passed or are in the process of considering similar legislation to Victoria, ensuring that Melbourne graduates will be ideally placed to lead the way in future optometry practice.
Structure
In the first year of the Bachelor of Optometry program students undertake subjects in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Vision Science and Optics. The second year is concerned with the study of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry of the eye, normal visual function and optics. Third year involves the detailed study of the disorders of vision and the pharmacology and pathology of the eye. Fourth year covers the diseases of the eye, therapeutic treatment of diseases and ophthalmic appliances. In third and fourth years, students also learn the techniques and procedures for assessing vision and examining the eye. Fifth year is a clinical year in which students examine and treat patients under supervision and attend additional lectures on specialised aspects of optometry. Students also complete a major research project under the supervision of an academic member of staff.
Major areas of study
Major subjects: Anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematical sciences, biochemistry, microbiology, optics, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and vision sciences.
Honours
Contact the Faculty of Science for details.
Record was last updated at: 02:24pm 2/11/2009
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