Master of Optometry

2016 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Course rules
• Course structure

Course overview

Develop the knowledge and attributes required to practise as an optometrist within Australia and New Zealand.

This course gives lets you build upon the knowledge and applied skills acquired throughout the Bachelor of Vision Science (or equivalent). Throughout this course, you will continue to develop an understanding of optometric clinical assessment and procedures; ethical, legal and professional standards of practice; and acquire high levels of inter-personal and inter-professional communication and commercial awareness.

You will develop  and refine skills in patient-centred care and evidence-based practice, enabling you to practise as a professional in this field.

Clinical placements are an integral part of Deakin’s optometry program. You will undertake a variety of short-term industry placements during the Master of Optometry and spend the final six months of the course as a ‘student resident’ in a range of clinical optometric and medical settings.

These extensive clinical rotations will enable you to consolidate your skills under the supervision of qualified optometrists. Clinical rotations will include time in both metropolitan and regional or rural settings.

As a Deakin optometry student, you have access to cutting-edge facilities within the new, purpose-built Regional Community Health Hub (REACH).

Work-Integrated Learning

Clinical placements are an integral part of Deakin’s optometry program. You will undertake a variety of short-term industry placements during the Master of Optometry and spend the final six months of the course as a ‘student resident’ in a range of clinical optometric and medical settings. These extensive clinical rotations will enable you to consolidate your knowledge and skills in supported environments under the supervision of qualified optometrists.

Clinical rotations will include time in both metropolitan and regional or rural settings.

Professional recognition

Students who successfully complete H710 Master of Optometry can apply for registration to practise as an optometrist in Australia. Completion of the Bachelor of Vision Science alone does not meet the registration requirements for professional practice as an optometrist and must be completed in combination with Deakin’s Master of Optometry (or equivalent program).
 
Students who successfully complete the Master of Optometry can apply for registration to practise as an optometrist in Australia. Deakin Optometry has been awarded ‘accreditation with conditions’ by the Optometry Board of Australia, following assessment by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). Graduates of the Master of Optometry will therefore be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and to Medicare as service providers, making them able to pursue employment opportunities throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Note: This course is currently accredited with conditions as at the date of publishing.

Career opportunities

Optometrists are primary eye care practitioners who are involved in assessing the health and function of the eyes and visual system and the diagnosis and management of a wide range of ocular conditions, Optometrists work in a variety of health care settings, with the great majority working in a private practice environment – which itself can be very diverse.  On a given day, an Australian optometrist may perform a primary visual assessment, manage a newly identified eye disease, prescribe a prescription medicine, or prescribe, fit and dispense optical aids. At the same time, many optometrists are business owners and retailers.
 
Some optometrists use their qualification to engage in other employment opportunities, such as research, other para-medical practice and work within vision-related non-government organisations.
 
Following successful completion of the Deakin Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry, Deakin graduates are well prepared for employment in a diverse range of work settings including, but not limited to: hospitals, clinics, health services, state and local governments, non-government organisations, research institutes, tertiary education institutions, private practice, and corporate and community settings. Career and employment opportunities for qualified optometrists include private and public eye care, practice ownership, research and teaching, other ophthalmic practices, and recognised specialties within optometry such as low vision, paediatric vision, and behavioural optometry.

Requirements for Clinical Placements and Registration

In accordance with Department of Human Services policy*, all students are required to undertake a National Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of clinical placements will not be able to undertake any placements. Students are also required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of the course, and are required to read, understand and comply with the School of Medicine Infectious Diseases and Immunisation Policy. Failure to comply with this policy, or obtain a Working with Children Check, may also prevent students from undertaking clinical placements.

Several clinical placement agencies require that students are vaccinated / blood tested before undertaking clinical placement and / or graduate employment. Deakin University Medical Centres provides detailed advice, blood testing and administer all necessary vaccinations prior to commencement of clinical placements and/or employment.

* Department of Human Services Policy on Working with Children Check and Police Records Checks can be found at: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/our-organisation/careers/applying-for-a-job/application-process/step-4-safety-screening-checks

Additional costs associated with the course

Students will be expected to purchase some specialist equipment during their course, and there may be some additional costs associated with your clinical placements. Further details will be provided during your enrolment. Students should expect to spend around $5,000 ($1,500 and $4,000) on equipment. Life expectancy of the equipment is around 15 years.

Course rules

To complete the Master of Optometry students must attain 16 credit points completed over four consecutive trimesters. All the units in the course are core (these are compulsory) and each unit is worth 4 credit points. Graduates of H310 Bachelor of Vision Science are eligible to articulate directly into this course.

Course structure

Core units

Year 1 - Trimester 1

Year 1 - Trimester 2

Year 1 - Trimester 3

Year 2 - Trimester 1

Income support

Domestic students enrolled in this postgraduate coursework program may be eligible for student income support through Youth Allowance and Austudy.

Further information can be found at Deakin University's Fees website.