Bachelor of Optometry

Course 785-BB (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2008
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Undergraduate

Contact

Faculty of Science Office Ground Floor Old Geology Building University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 AUSTRALIA Telephone +61 3 8344 6404 Facsimile +61 3 8344 5803
Course Overview: Optometry is a professional discipline based on the optical and visual sciences. The practice of optometry involves the diagnosis and treatment of functional disorders and diseases of the eye and vision: the optometrist's job is to solve patients' visual problems. The practice of optometry is regulated by the Optometrists Registration Act in each state of Australia. Under these Acts the practice of optometry can be carried out only by those whose names appear on the register of optometrists. Graduates holding the Bachelor of Optometry degree of the University of Melbourne are qualified to be registered for the practice of optometry in each state and territory of Australia and in New Zealand.
Objectives: This course's objectives are for graduates to:
  • have a sound foundation in the physical, chemical, mathematical and biological sciences, and in particular have a good knowledge and understanding of human biology;
  • understand the passage of light through lenses and optical systems (including the eye) and be able to predict and measure the nature and quality of optical images;
  • have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the performance and function of the human visual system;
  • understand the dysfunctions and diseases of the eye and visual system and know their genesis, natural course, treatment and prognosis;
  • have acquired skill in the techniques necessary for the examination of the eye and the assessment of visual function;
  • have developed skills in problem identification, in deciding on effective strategies to gather information for the resolution of these problems, in weighing evidence prudently and in making decisions and are able to apply these skills to scientific problems in the visual and clinical sciences as well as to particular problems presented by patients;
  • have developed the interpersonal and communication skills necessary in relationships with patients and professional colleagues and for the communication of the results of scientific enquiries;
  • are professionally competent in the practice of optometry and are able to gain registration by the appropriate professional body;
  • have the knowledge, skill and attitude to enable adaptation to scientific, technological and social change, have a sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning and a capacity to be creative and innovative; and
  • have a strongly developed sense of professional and ethical responsibility for patients, colleagues and the community generally and are aware of the moral and legal responsibilities of professional practice.
Course Structure & Available Subjects:

The Bachelor of Optometry is a five-year course in which the first year covers the fundamental sciences (the pre-optometry year) and the remaining four years comprise the Bachelor of Optometry.

The structure of the Bachelor of Optometry may vary depending upon when a student commenced. Students who commenced the course in 2007 or earlier should refer to The 2007 Undergraduate Studies Handbook.

Subject Options:

Pre-optometry year (1st year)

The first year of the five year course is the pre-optometry year and covers the fundamental sciences:
Compulsory subjects: 650-141, 650-142, 610-101, 610-102, 655-111, 655-152.
Plus one of 640-111, 640-131, 640-171.
Plus one of 640-112, 610-132, 640-172.

Alternative sequences in chemistry may be available for students commencing with 610-171 Fundamentals of Chemistry.

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 2, Summer
12.50
Semester 1
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1
12.50

Bachelor of Optometry (2nd year)

Second year of the Bachelor of Optometry course.
Completion of 100 points of study.
All compulsory subjects.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Bachelor of Optometry (3rd year)

Third year of the Bachelor of Optometry course.
Completion of 100 points of study.
All compulsory subjects.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Bachelor of Optometry (4th year)

Fourth year of the Bachelor of Optometry course.
Completion of 100 points of study.
All compulsory subjects.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50

Bachelor of Optometry (5th year)

Fifth year of the Bachelor of Optometry course.
Completion of 100 points of study.
Compulsory subjects: 655-510, 655-520, 655-540.
Plus one of 655-530 and 655-535.
The fifth year of the Bachelor of Optometry is 32 weeks.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Entry Requirements: All applicants for entry into the first year of the Bachelor of Optometry must have completed the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT). International students are exempt unless applying for permanent residency.
A study score of at least 25 in each of English (any), Mathematical Methods (either), Chemistry and in one of Biology, Physics, and additional mathematics.
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.
Graduate Attributes: Optometry is a professional discipline based on the optical and visual sciences. Optometry graduates from the University of Melbourne are qualified health professionals able to practice within Australia and in a number of other countries. The optometry graduate has the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to effectively practice in their profession. Accordingly, they: have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the performance and function of the human visual system;understand the dysfunctions and diseases of the eye and visual system and know their genesis, natural course, treatment and prognosis; andhave acquired skill in the techniques necessary for the examination of the eye and the assessment of visual function.In addition, they have developed skills in problem identification, in deciding on effective strategies to gather information for the resolution of these problems, in weighing evidence prudently and in making decisions and are able to apply these skills to scientific problems in the visual and clinical sciences as well as to particular problems presented by patients. Optometry graduates also have the interpersonal and communication skills necessary in relationships with patients and professional colleagues and for the communication of the results of scientific enquiries. They are professionally competent in the practice of optometry and are able to gain registration by the appropriate professional body. They have a strongly developed sense of professional and ethical responsibility for patients, colleagues and the community generally and are aware of the moral and legal responsibilities of professional practice. In the longer term these graduates have the knowledge, skill and attitude to enable adaptation to scientific, technological and social change. They have a sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning and a capacity to be creative and innovative. These attributes enable them to continue to develop their own professional abilities as well as contributing to the development of the profession as a whole and the understanding of the vision sciences.

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