Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Clinical Optometry

Become an optometrist

Optometrists diagnose vision problems, eye diseases and other eye health issues. These highly skilled professionals correct poor vision and manage or slow degenerative eye diseases with corrective lenses, optical aids, therapy or medication.

Due to ageing and growing populations, the demand for qualified optometrists remains steady in Australia and globally. By 2036 the number of optometrists is likely to increase with Australia’s population projected to reach 32.4 million.

Across the world, over 2.2 billion people experience vision impairment or blindness. Access to proper eye care can correct many of these cases through different clinical measures. Sadly, for people living in communities with limited access to health care, treatment for vision problems is often inadequate. There are many opportunities for qualified optometrists to join programs and organisations that provide care to these populations on a short-term or long-term basis.

Other career opportunities

The Bachelor of Vision Science will prepare you to work in the eye health sector, including clinical settings, health promotion in government and non-government organisations, laboratory-based eye research and the ophthalmic industry.

You can work in a wide range of optics, vision science and ophthalmology research laboratories that develop drugs, imaging technology and vision correction devices such as contact lenses, spectacles and ocular implants.

Career opportunities are also available in the government sector, particularly in teaching and defence technology (e.g., lasers and optical equipment). You could also contribute to the development of health and occupational policy regarding the importance of vision to quality of life in the workplace.

We believe that university is about more than what you learn in the classroom. A UNSW Medicine & Health degree provides the optimal balance of theoretical and hands-on learning to prepare students for the workforce. ​

When you enrol in the Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Clinical Optometry you’ll be a part of one of Australia's top 5 medical faculties*.

UNSW has been named ‘Most Employable University’ by the Australian Financial Review, four years in a row. Our students build professional portfolios through proximity and partnerships with some of Australia's largest metropolitan and rural hospitals. These initiatives unlock over 400 industry connections for students to tap into and to help kick off their rewarding careers in vision science.

Graduating from the widely respected Bachelor of Vision Science at a prestigious Go8 university like UNSW will open up a world of opportunity that could take you anywhere — Australia and beyond.

^{*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023}

Upon completion of the Master of Clinical Optometry, you can apply to register with the Optometry Board of Australia (OBA), the Optometrists and Dispensing Board (ODOB) New Zealand and other registration boards in Asia where our degree is recognised.