University of Melbourne Optometry School

Program Overview - Doctor of Optometry (OD)

University and Faculty:	The University of Melbourne Faculty of Science
Program:	Doctor of Optometry (OD)
University Location:	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
City Population:	4 million
Student Population:	47,000
Campus Location:	Parkville (downtown Melbourne)
Program Duration:	Four years
Semester Intake:	late February/early March each year
Next Intake:	February 2014
Est. Annual Tuition:	$39,968 AUD (2014)
Est. Total Tuition:	$172,268 AUD (2014)

In 2011, the University of Melbourne Optometry School commenced its first intake of the Doctor of Optometry program. The Doctor of Optometry replaced the University of Melbourne's previous optometry degree, the Bachelor of Optometry, for training optometrists.

The Doctor of Optometry is four years in duration, and consists of a combination of on-campus teaching and clinical placements, with the clinical component commencing in Year 1 and gradually increasing to full time in the final year. Opportunities exist for clinical-related research to be conducted as a required component of the degree.

University of Melbourne Doctor of Optometry graduates combines depth and breadth of optometric practice knowledge. Melbourne OD students will

• participate in a rigorous graduate-level learning experience, which fosters the development of sophisticated clinical skills and a respect for the value of evidence-based practice;
• be trained to work in an ever-changing and complex environment, which utilize leadership and clinical skills; and
• be eligible to register to practice as a therapeutically endorsed optometrist in Australia, and to register to practice in several overseas countries.

Students entering the Melbourne OD must have previously completed an undergraduate degree, allowing the teaching in the program to be delivered at a sophisticated level and allow for the development of more advanced clinical skills.

Early clinical experience will be a feature of the Melbourne program. Later years will focus on developing advanced clinical skills with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice. Broad clinical experience will be achieved by providing an unparalleled range of rural and metropolitan placements and international externship opportunities.

Unique Features of the Program

The University's Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences is the first in Australia to offer an optometry program that encompasses therapeutic management of ocular diseases, which results in the degree

• becoming the broadest in Australia, Europe and the U.K.;
• being in line with degrees in the United States; and
• reflecting amendments to the Australian legal framework for optometrists.

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences is the only one in Australia that has an on-site clinic, the University of Melbourne Eyecare Clinic. With more than 35,000 patients visiting each year, this provides students with the opportunity to be presented with a broad range of clinical cases during their professional training.

In recent years, there has been a 100% placement rate for Melbourne optometry graduates, with starting salaries ranging from $60,000 to $120,000, depending on the graduate's work experience.

Why Canadians Like the Program

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Melbourne is one of the world's leading schools of optometry. It enjoys a fine reputation for its teaching and research. The department has a large clinic, providing excellent practical experience along with personal tuition for its students. The Victorian College of Optometry cooperates with the university in the training of optometry students and the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences is located within the premises of the college. The National Vision Research Institute and the Clinical Vision Research Australia are affiliated with the college and access its facilities.

Professional Certification/Accreditation Information

The Melbourne Doctor of Optometry will qualify graduates to practise as a therapeutically endorsed Optometrist in Australia, and to register to practice in several overseas countries.

The University of Melbourne will be seeking accreditation of the OD in Canada and the USA in the near future. At the present time, graduates would be eligible to apply for registration in Canada, subject to provincial requirements.

Scholarships

Every student who applies (and accepts) via OzTREKK and commences his/her studies at an OzTREKK Australian university will receive a $500 scholarship from OzTREKK. Click here for more information about the OzTREKK Scholarship!

Admissions Criteria/Entry Requirements for Canadians

The Doctor of Optometry program at the University of Melbourne is available only to those applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree or are in the final year of completing an undergraduate degree.

To be considered for admission into this program, a Canadian applicant must comply with the following:

1. Have completed an undergraduate degree and prerequisite subjects: Successfully completed at least a three-year bachelor's degree, which includes

• one university second-year or third-year subject in anatomy or cell biology; and
• two university second-year or third-year subjects from one or more relevant biological science disciplines.

2. Write the OAT:
Applicants will be required to complete an admissions test, either the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), or or the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). There is no minimum OAT score. OAT test result is valid for two years.

3. Submit a personal statement:
Applicants must provide a written statement (maximum 500 words) in support of the application explaining your motivation to study optometry.

The University of Melbourne may conduct interviews with short-listed candidates. The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences would conduct interviews with Canadian applicants via Skype or teleconference.

Admissions Timelines

Early Round Applications

Applicants with a completed degree and GAMSAT/MCAT are eligible to apply in the Early Round.

Applications are open
Applications close: July 31, 2013

Outcomes - Applicants will be notified of the outcome by August 28, 2013. Applicants not successful in the Early Round will automatically be considered with the Timely Applications.

Timely Applications

This is the primary application round and is open to all applicants who have GAMSAT/MCAT and who have completed or are completing an undergraduate degree.

Applications are open
Applications close: September 29, 2013

Outcomes - There are three outcome rounds:

• Round 1: Applicants will be notified of the outcome by October 31, 2013.
  Applicants who do not receive an offer may be placed on a waiting list and will be automatically considered in Round 2 if required.
• Round 2: If a second round is required, applicants will be notified of the outcome by January 10, 2014.
  Applicants who do not receive an offer may be placed on a waiting list and will be automatically considered in Round 3 if required.
• Round 3: Depending on acceptance rates, there may be a very late round. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by February 22, 2014.

Total Number of Places in the Program: approximately 64

Number of Places Available for International Students: approximately 15-20

Application Deadline for the February 2014 intake: September 29, 2013

Access an Optometry at Melbourne presentation.

OzTREKK Admissions Officer: Rachel Brady