The Doctor of Optometry (OD) at the University of Melbourne is a master’s-level professional entry 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 (OCANZ). The OD degree 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 full-time 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 also be given the opportunity to undertake clinical training at metropolitan, rural and overseas sites as part of their final year of study. Course description The Doctor of Optometry is the pathway to an exciting and rewarding career in optometry. Specific graduate attributes have been carefully defined, developed and mapped to every component of the course. Graduates of the program will achieve: Understanding of the normal human visual system and its physical, chemical and biological foundations Expertise to quantitatively describe light and its passage through optical systems (including ophthalmic instruments, ophthalmic lenses and the eye), the design of optical systems to meet required specifications, and quantitatively assess the nature and quality of optical images Advanced knowledge of the mechanisms and associated manifestations of ocular and visual system disease. This includes expert competency in clinical ocular examination using current best-practice methods, enabling them to fully assess and manage the health and visual performance of their patient Ability to construct appropriate differential diagnoses and to acquire additional information to arrive at correct definitive diagnoses. and expert knowledge of current best practice management strategies for the safe and effective use of ocular therapeutic drugs The skills and knowledge required to manage the establishment, planning, promotion, finances, operations and workforce of an optometric practice A strongly developed sense of professional and ethical responsibility for patients, colleagues and the community generally, and be aware of the moral and legal responsibilities of professional practice Knowledge of ethical research principles and methods applicable to optometry and the vision sciences Ability to achieve a leadership role in the advancement of optometry on a global stage, both in clinical and research spheres Degree 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.