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Doctor of Optometry (MC-DOPTOM)
Masters (Extended)Year: 2024 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
- Overview
- Entry and participation requirements
- Attributes, outcomes and skills
- Course structure
- Further study
- Notes
Principal Coordinator
Michael Pianta
Coordinator
Allison McKendrick
Overview
Award title | Doctor of Optometry |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2024 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 072811B |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | 9 |
Credit points | 400 credit points |
Duration | 48 months full-time |
Optometrists are independent, primary health care professionals trained to examine the eyes and visual system. Optometrists diagnose, treat and manage diseases and injuries of the eye and associated structures. Optometrists are experts in the management of vision disorders, and in the correction of reduced vision. Numerous systemic conditions affect vision and ocular structures, so optometrists also play an important role in identifying general health disorders. Optometrists prescribe spectacles, contact lenses, medications for ocular conditions, vision therapy, and low vision rehabilitation.
The Doctor of Optometry (OD) is a masters-level professional degree. The OD program is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, creating a new benchmark in optometric education. It is an internationally recognised qualification with full accreditation from the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand. Completion of the OD satisfies the legislative requirements that permit graduates to register as optometrists in all states and territories of Australia and in New Zealand. The qualification also affords the opportunity, either with or without further study and examination, to register to practice in other countries around the world.
The OD is a four-year full-time program consisting of a combination of on-campus teaching and clinical placements. Clinical studies commence in first year and gradually increase to become the main learning activities in the final year. The course covers the basic and applied optical, visual, and biomedical sciences that underpin optometry.
A research project, with clinical relevance, is conducted as a required component of the degree. Students will typically be given the opportunity to undertake clinical training at metropolitan, rural and overseas sites as part of their final year of study.
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed
- an undergraduate degree in any discipline, with studies to have been completed within 10 years of commencing the Doctor of Optometry
Or - for applicants whose most recently completed undergraduate degree was completed 10 or more years before January 1st of the year in which the applicant intends to commence the Doctor of Optometry, a Graduate Diploma, Master or PhD degree, or equivalent, completed within 10 years of commencing the Doctor of Optometry
And - three subjects at level 2 or level 3 (or equivalent) from one or more relevant biological science disciplines with subjects to have been completed within 10 years of commencing the Doctor of Optometry.
- one of either the GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test), the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) or the OAT (Optometry Admission Test (USA), no more than two years before the date of commencement of the Doctor of Optometry.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- prior academic performance; and
- the GAMSAT or MCAT or OAT.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.
Note:
1. Successful applicants with relevant prior study or professional practice may be granted up to 200 points of advanced standing towards the Doctor of Optometry as follows:
100 points of advanced standing will normally be granted to applicants with an undergraduate degree with a major in optometry or vision science, or equivalent;
200 points of advanced standing will normally be granted to applicants who are registered as an optometrist with the Optometry Board of Australia and have at least three years of documented clinical practice as a registered optometrist within the last ten years.
2. Please note that results for 2020 subjects completed before the COVID-19 pandemic will be included in entry score calculations. Results for honours completed in 2020 will be included in entry score calculations for 2022 and all future intakes. All other 2020 subject results will be excluded from entry score calculations for 2022 and all future intakes.
If an applicant completed their final year of undergraduate study in 2020, weightings will be applied by weighting the penultimate year by 1, and the final year subjects completed before the pandemic by 2.
If an applicant completed their penultimate year of undergraduate study in 2020, weightings will be applied by weighting the penultimate year subjects completed before the pandemic by 1 and the final year by 2.
For the avoidance of doubt, please note that subjects from all other study periods will be used in entry score calculations.
3. Graduate Degree Packages for School Leavers:
The University of Melbourne offers Graduate Degree Packages to high achieving school leavers, allowing them to secure places (Commonwealth Supported places for domestic students or International fee places) in the Doctor of Optometry provided that they meet certain requirements.
For a Commonwealth Supported Place or International Fee Place, the applicant must:
- complete an Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in 2018 or later either:
— in Australia; or
— outside Australia and be an Australian citizen;
- achieve an ATAR (or notional ATAR) of at least 99.00;
- apply for a University of Melbourne Graduate Degree Package for commencement in the year following completion of Year 12 or IB via VTAC;
- enrol immediately or be granted deferral in the year following Year 12;
- successfully complete a Bachelor of Biomedicine or Science at the University of Melbourne including all the specified prerequisite subjects;
- achieve a minimum weighted average mark of H2A (75%) in their undergraduate degree;
- pass on the first attempt any subject course prerequisites taken at the University of Melbourne; and
- commence the Doctor of Optometry within 18 months of completing the undergraduate degree.
Applicants eligible for entry via a Graduate Degree Package will not be required to complete the GAMSAT. The exclusion of some subjects in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic as outlined above (note 2) also applies to weighted average mark calculations for applicants under the Graduate Degree Package pathway.
Applicants should refer to the University handbook for the additional entry requirements for the undergraduate degrees in the Graduate Degree Package.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
Students must comply with Fitness to Practice Rules, which are accessible from Schedule 1 of the Student Fitness to Practice Policy (MPF1345).
For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
It is a requirement of the course that students will perform clinical procedures on their peers, and have clinical procedures performed on them by their peers.
All students in the Doctor of Optometry (OD) course must possess the intellectual, ethical, physical and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence at graduation required by the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences and the Australia Health Practitioner Registration Agency.
A student with a disability may be asked to provide independent medical or other clinical assessments of the disability and its possible impact on the ability of the student to successfully complete the course, before being accepted into the course. This statement would be treated in confidence with only those on the admissions committee and Disability Liaison having access to the document. (Deliberate misinformation about the student’s ability to successfully complete the course will be regarded as unprofessional practice and treated as such.)
While the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences will make reasonable adjustments to minimise the impact of a disability, all students must be able to participate in the program in an independent manner. It is not reasonable for students to use an intermediary as an adjustment to compensate for a disability impacting on any of the five categories listed below. In the clinical environment there is a primary duty of care to the patients, and the needs of students cannot compromise this. It is expected that all students will be able to participate fully in all classroom based learning activities and to successfully fulfil the clinical assessment and self-study requirements of the course. The presence of a disability will not automatically entitle the student to preferential treatment in clinical place allocation.
A candidate for the OD must have abilities and skills in the following five categories:
-
Observation:
Practical Classes: The student must be able to observe mandatory demonstrations and experiments in the designated subjects.
Clinical Work: The student must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the senses of vision, hearing and somatic sensation. It is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell. -
Communication:
Practical Classes: The student must be able to hear and comprehend instructions in practical sessions and be able to clearly and independently communicate knowledge and application of the principles and practices of the subject during assessment tasks.
Clinical Work: A student must be able to hear, speak to, and observe patients in order to elicit information and perceive nonverbal communications. A student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients in both oral and written forms. The student must also be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in both oral and written forms with all health care practitioners involved in patient management (including the use of telephones and computers). -
Motor:
Practical Classes: A student must be able to undertake the motor requirements for any mandatory practical sessions. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
Clinical Work: Students should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by clinical examination. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision. -
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities:
Practical Classes: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and demonstrate this ability in practical sessions. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities.
Clinical Work: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and demonstrate the ability to establish management plans and priorities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. -
Behavioural and Social Attributes:
Practical Classes: A student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgement, and the prompt completion of all required tasks.
Clinical Work: A student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgement, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and colleagues.
Professional accreditation
Upon completion of the Doctor of Optometry you can submit an application to register and practice as an optometrist in all states and territories of Australia and in New Zealand.
This course prepares students to meet the registration requirements of the Optometry Board of Australia. More information on this official body can be found at the following website - http://www.optometryboard.gov.au/
Intended learning outcomes
Optometric Knowledge and Skills: Students must demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving basic and clinical science, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care. At the end of the internship year they should be able to:
- demonstrate clinical competence through critical reflection over a broad range of patient experiences;
- select, perform and interpret appropriate clinical tests as part of a targeted, accurate and timely clinical examination;
- identify and evaluate resources that relate to the ethical, moral and legal foundations of optometric care; and
- articulate how physical, social and cultural background impact on a patient's likelihood of developing a vision disorder or disease.
Patient Care: Students must be able to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective. At the end of the internship year they should be able to:
- use evidence-based practice to develop and justify an appropriate management plan, considering the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, the individual patient and the practice context;
- collaborate with other health professionals to ensure patient safety and to enhance the quality of care; and
- reflect on the provision of care with attention to benefits, risks and costs for individuals and the community;
- recognise and work within the limits of their competence and scope of practice.
Life-Long Learning and Improvement: Students must be able to continuously improve patient care based on self-evaluation and life-long learning. At the end of the internship year they should be able to:
- develop, implement, monitor and revise a personal learning plan to enhance patient care;
- assess their performance using various internal and external sources of data, and identify opportunities for learning and improvement;
- critically appraise scientific evidence and translate research findings into practice; and
- give and receive constructive feedback.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Students must be able to demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, patients’ families, and professional associates. At the end of the internship year they should be able to:
- communicate effectively with patients and families from diverse backgrounds;
- communicate perceptively in difficult situations; and
- demonstrate sensitivity in the care of patients by treating them as an individual;
- communicate inter- and intra-professionally.
Professionalism: Students must demonstrate adherence to ethical principles, and a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities in the best interest of the patient and the community. At the end of the internship year they should be able to:
- demonstrate honesty, integrity, respect, reliability, responsibility, and confidentiality in all professional interactions;
- apply principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice, and work to resolve ethical dilemmas as they arise in clinical practice;
- show commitment to the role of primary eye care in the health and wellbeing of the community.
- demonstrate empathy, compassion and self-care; and
Generic skills
On completion of the Doctor of Optometry course students should:
- be able to plan strategies for improving the management of information in the workplace;
- be able to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to new problems;
- have highly developed written and oral communication skills;
- have enhanced leadership skills;
- be able to work as part of a team to address a common goal;
- have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research;
- have a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
- be able to keep up to date with the latest innovations;
- be able to reflect upon and identify deficiencies in your knowledge and develop strategies to address those deficiencies.
- be able to articulate the interpretation of data in written form;
- be able to integrate knowledge from different domains;
- value the collection and recording of accurate and complete data;
- have a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship; and
- be able to evaluate scientific literature as a foundation to evidence-based practice.
Graduate attributes
Academic distinction: The University of Melbourne educational experience prepares well-rounded graduates who are academically outstanding and have research and reasoning skills that equip them to be influential citizens with high leadership potential. Graduates of the Doctor of Optometry course should:
- be able to apply in-depth knowledge and skills to the practice of optometry;
- be critical, creative thinkers with strong reasoning skills;
- be able to apply knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems in a range of contexts;
- be effective oral and written communicators;
- be entrepreneurial and innovative thought-leaders;
- bring research and inquiry skills to challenges in their workplaces and communities; and
- be adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.
Active citizenship: The University of Melbourne educational experience prepares graduates who are socially responsible, engage with national and global issues and are attuned to social and cultural diversity. Graduates of the Doctor of Optometry course should:
- have engaged with contemporary local, national and global issues;
- have a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment;
- be aware of the social and cultural diversity in communities;
- be able to work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds;
- understand and respect Indigenous knowledge, culture and values;
- be active, well-informed citizens who make substantial contributions to society; and
- have the potential to be leaders in their professions and communities.
Integrity and self-awareness: The University of Melbourne educational experience prepares graduates who are practically grounded, have high levels of self-awareness, and value their personal integrity and well-being. Graduates of the Doctor of Optometry course should:
- be motivated, self-directed and well-organised, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities;
- be able to work effectively both independently and in groups;
- be highly self-aware and reflective, with skills in self-assessment;
- place great importance on their personal and professional integrity;
- be enthusiastic, self-assured and confident of their knowledge, yet flexible, adaptable and aware of their limitations;
- be willing to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes;
- have empathy and concern for the welfare of others; and
- be able to manage their own well-being.
Course structure
Students must complete 400 credit points over the 4-year program. These 400 points of credit are accumulated from a compulsory series of six core subjects totalling 100 points per year.
Doctor of Optometry 1st year (100 points): Covers the basic vision sciences and pre-clinical optometry training.
Doctor of Optometry 2nd year (100 points): Covers the applied clinical vision sciences and clinical optometry training, as well as research in vision and optometry.
Doctor of Optometry 3rd year (100 points): Covers further applied clinical vision sciences and clinical optometry training, as well as clinical optometry practice.
Doctor of Optometry 4th year (100 points): Covers advanced clinical optometry practice
Subject options
Doctor of Optometry 1st year
Compulsory subjects:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
OPTO90027 | Integrated Ophthalmic Sciences | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
75 |
OPTO90024 | Preclinical Optometry | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Subject by invitation only:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
OPTO90029 | Preclinical Optometry Refresher | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Doctor of Optometry 2nd year
Compulsory subjects:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
OPTO90023 | Applied Clinical Training | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
75 |
OPTO90025 | Research Studies in Vision and Optometry | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Doctor of Optometry 3rd year
Compulsory subject:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
OPTO90026 | Clinical Optometry Practice | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
100 |
Doctor of Optometry 4th year
Compulsory subject:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
OPTO90028 | Optometry Internship | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
100 |
Further study
On completion, students may wish to apply for entry into a research higher degree program.
Within the course, students will attend placements at clinical sites both within Melbourne, rural Victoria, interstate and/or overseas. Students are expected to bear the costs involved in these placements.
Students are required to conform to prescribed dress and conduct requirements when assigned to all clinical duties with patients.
Students are required to attend and participate in the OD student conference. The student conference will be delivered in a traditional conference format over two days in the Semester 2, close to the mid-semester break.
*Doctor of Optometry students will be required to have a current CPR certificate prior to entering clinic in third year.
Additional Costs:
Please note that the purchase of some equipment will be necessary for various compulsory subjects within this course. Students will continue to use the equipment during the remainder of the course and after graduation.
All students undertaking a placement in a hospital, clinic or other health or community environment are required to satisfy a number of requirements, including:
- undergoing a recent National Police Record Check
- holding a valid Working with Children Check for the relevant state/territory, and
- being satisfactorily protected against infectious disease transmission.
Please refer to the Student Placements webpage for detailed information regarding compliance requirements.
Please note that the purchase of some equipment will be necessary for various compulsory subjects within this course. Students will continue to use the equipment during the remainder of the course and after graduation.
Last updated: 19 December 2023