Overview

See yourself in this specialist field

Study a Bachelor of Vision Science and begin your journey towards a career in optometry. Our course has been developed with academics, practitioners and representatives from international optometry companies and will be launched in the same year UC opens the doors to our state-of-art UC Public Hospital. During your degree you will develop foundation knowledge and skills in the biomedical sciences with a specific focus on optical and vision sciences. You will also broaden your skills in business and management related areas should you choose to explore private practice. On graduating from this undergraduate degree you will be eligible for entry into a Master of Optometry.

Study a Bachelor of Vision Science at UC and you will:

• demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental sciences underpinning health, optical and vision sciences
• perform common optical and visual diagnostic assessments
• demonstrate a strong understanding of the dysfunctions and diseases of the eye
• demonstrate an awareness of the inter-disciplinary nature of health practitioners and health professions
• demonstrate awareness of and respect for individual human rights and cultural and social diversity.

Work Integrated Learning

In your final year you will enrol in the work-integrated unit Integrated Eye Care and Ocular Therapeutics. This unit incorporates a significant component of industry experience and includes clinical and non-clinical placements designed to observe the latest vision science industry projects and optometric practice in progress.

Career opportunities

• Optometrist
• Private practice & retailer
• Vision-related government and non-government organisations
• Hospitals
• Health clinics & Services
• Research institutes

Course specific information

The Bachelor of Vision Science is a 3-year program. This course is accredited with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) until April 2023. Successful completion of both the Bachelor of Vision Science AND the Master of Optometry course at the University of Canberra will allow graduates the chance to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia to practice as an optometrist.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) until April 2023. Successful completion of both the Bachelor of Vision Science AND the Master of Optometry course at the University of Canberra will allow graduates the chance to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia to practice as an optometrist.