Course overview

Description

This is a three-year program.The overall aim of the course is to produce socially accountable optometry graduates committed to delivering culturally safe and responsive person-centred care, addressing individual and societal healthcare needs, and improving individual and societal health outcomes.

The outcomes, content and teaching are based on the competency standards for optometrists (as set out by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand, under the auspices of AHPRA) which comprise five domains: professional responsibilities; communication; patient examination; diagnosis and management; and health information management.

In the first year, students gain a thorough foundation of the vision sciences and begin to develop patient care skills which underpin the development of skills for optometry practice in year two. The program culminates in year three with the application of knowledge, skills and attitudes through work-integrated practice in a range of practice settings and locations.

Course title
Doctor of Optometry (coursework) (extended)
Award abbreviation
OD
Course code
91590
Course type
Master's by coursework (extended)
Status
Current / 2024
Administered by
Allied Health
CRICOS code
0101919

Course details

Intake periods
Beginning of year only
Attendance type
Full-time only
Credit points required
192
A standard full-time load is 24 points per semester.
Professional accreditation
Doctor of Optometry (coursework) (extended) is accredited by: Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand.
Standard course duration
3 years
Time limit
6 years
Delivery mode
Internal
Locations offered
UWA (Perth), Numerous external providers
Domestic fee type
Commonwealth supported and/or HECS-HELP; or postgraduate fee-paying/FEE-HELP
Available to international students
Yes. For information on international student fees see 'Student Procedures: Fees'. (Enquiries: https://www.uwa.edu.au/askuwa)
Course Coordinator(s)
Khyber Alam
Fees
Visit the fees calculator.

Prospective students should see the Future Students website for details on admission requirements, intake periods, fees, availability to international students, careers information etc.

No study plans found for this course. See study plans for more information.

Course structure

Key to availability of units:
S1
Semester 1
S2
Semester 2
NS
non-standard teaching period

All units have a value of six points unless otherwise stated.

Year 1

Take all units (48 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1OPTM4101Principles of Optics 1
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
the Doctor of Optometry 91590
Co-requisites
OPTM4102 Structure and Function of the Eye.
OPTM4103 Research Fundamentals and Methodology 1.
OPTM4104 Foundations of Optometry.
Practical, workshops and problem-based learning tutorials up to 20 hours. Lectures and seminars up to 60 hours.
S1OPTM4102Structure and Function of the Eye
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
the Doctor of Optometry 91590
Co-requisites
OPTM4101 Principles of Optics 1 (ID 7936).
OPTM4103 Research Fundamentals and Methodology 1.
OPTM4104 Foundations of Optometry.
Practical, workshops and problem-based learning tutorials up to 20 hours. Lectures and seminars up to 60 hours.
S1OPTM4103Research Fundamentals and Methodology 1
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
the Doctor of Optometry 91590
Co-requisites
OPTM4101 Principles of Optics 1 (ID 7936).
OPTM4102 Structure and Function of the Eye.
OPTM4104 Foundations of Optometry.
Workshops and problem-based learning tutorials up to 20 hours. Lectures and seminars up to 60 hours.
S1OPTM4104Foundations of Optometry
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
the Doctor of Optometry 91590
Co-requisites
OPTM4101 Principles of Optics 1.
OPTM4102 Structure and Function of the Eye.
OPTM4103 Research Fundamentals and Methodology 1.
Workshops and problem-based learning tutorials up to 40 hours. Lectures and seminars up to 30 hours.
S2OPTM4105Principles of Optics 2
Prerequisites
OPTM4101 Principles of Optics 1 (ID 7936).
or equivalent
Co-requisites
OPTM4106 Physiological Optics and Visual Perception.
OPTM4107 Research Fundamentals and Methodology 2.
OPTM4108 Foundations of Clinical Optometry
Practical, workshops and problem-based learning tutorials up to 20 hours. Lectures and seminars up to 60 hours.
S2OPTM4106Physiological Optics and Visual Perception
Prerequisites
OPTM4102 Structure and Function of the Eye (ID 7937).
or equivalent
Co-requisites
OPTM4105 Principles of Optics 2 (ID 7940).
OPTM4107 Research Fundamentals and Methodology 2.
OPTM4108 Foundations of Clinical Optometry
Practical, workshops and problem-based learning tutorials up to 20 hours. Lectures and seminars up to 60 hours.
S2OPTM4107Research Fundamentals and Methodology 2
Prerequisites
OPTM4103 Research Fundamentals and Methodology 1 (ID 7938).
or equivalent
Co-requisites
OPTM4105 Principles of Optics 2 (ID 7940).
OPTM4106 Physiological Optics and Visual Perception.
OPTM4108 Foundations of Clinical Optometry
Workshops and problem-based learning tutorials up to 20 hours. Lectures and seminars up to 60 hours.
S2OPTM4108Foundations of Clinical Optometry
Prerequisites
OPTM4104 Foundations of Optometry (ID 7939).
or equivalent
Co-requisites
OPTM4105 Principles of Optics 2 (ID 7940).
OPTM4106 Physiological Optics and Visual Perception.
OPTM4107 Research Fundamentals and Methodology 2
Workshops and problem-based learning tutorials up to 50 hours. Lectures and seminars up to 50 hours.

Year 2

Take all units (72 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSOPTM5101Integrated Ophthalmic Science 1 (12 points)
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
91590 (Doctor of Optometry) and completion of OPTM3101 Science of the Eye and Visual System 1,
AND OPTM3102 Principles of Optometry 1,
AND OPTM3103 Science of the Eye and Visual System 2
AND OPTM3104 Principles of Optometry 2.
Co-requisites
OPTM5102 Optometric Practice 1
Problem-based learning tutorials: up to 48 hours. Lectures and seminars: up to 80 hours Team-based learning seminars: up to 24 hours.
NSOPTM5102Optometric Practice 1 (12 points)
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
91590 (Doctor of Optometry) AND completion of OPTM3101 Science of the Eye and Visual System 1,
AND OPTM3102 Principles of Optometry 1,
AND OPTM3103 Science of the Eye and Visual System 2
AND OPTM3104 Principles of Optometry 2
Co-requisites
OPTM5101 Integrated Ophthalmic Science 1
Clinical skills practicals: up to 100 hours. Workshops: up to 24 hours. Lectures, symposia and inter-professional education sessions: up to 36 hours. Observational clinical (optometric and allied health) placements up to 20 hours.
NSOPTM5103Integrated Ophthalmic Science 2 (12 points)
Prerequisites
OPTM5101 Integrated Ophthalmic Science 1
AND OPTM5102 Optometric Practice 1
Co-requisites
OPTM5104 Optometric Practice 2
Problem-based learning tutorials: up to 48 hours. Lectures and seminars: up to 80 hours Team-based learning seminars: up to 24 hours.
NSOPTM5104Optometric Practice 2 (12 points)
Prerequisites
OPTM5101 Integrated Ophthalmic Science 1
AND OPTM5102 Optometric Practice 1
Co-requisites
OPTM5103 Integrated Ophthalmic Science 2
Clinical skills practicals: up to 48 hours. Workshops: up to 24 hours. Lectures, symposia and inter-professional education sessions: up to 60 hours. Observational clinical (optometric and allied health) placements up to 20 hours.
NSOPTM5105Optometry Research Project (12 points)
Prerequisites
Completion of OPTM5103 Integrated Ophthalmic Science 2
AND OPTM5104 Optometric Practice 2
Co-requisites
OPTM5106 Integrated Optometric Practice
workshops and tutorial sessions, collection of research data: equivalent to 2-3 days per week
NSOPTM5106Integrated Optometric Practice (12 points)
Prerequisites
completion of OPTM5103 Integrated Ophthalmic Science 2
AND OPTM5104 Optometric Practice 2
Co-requisites
OPTM5105 Optometry Research Project
Clinical skills practical: up to 48 hours. Workshops: up to 12 hours. Lectures, symposia and inter-professional education sessions: up to 36 hours. Observational clinical (optometric and allied health) placements up to 20 hours.

Year 3

Take all units (72 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
NSOPTM5201Community Optometry 1 (24 points)
Prerequisites
OPTM5101 Integrated Ophthalmic Science 1, OPTM5102 Optometric Practice 1, OPTM5103 Integrated Ophthalmic Science 2, OPTM5104 Optometric Practice 2
AND OPTM5105 Optometry Research Project
AND OPTM5106 Integrated Optometric Practice
Lectures 8x 1 hour online per week, 4 practical classes (8 hours per week), 2 PBL classes (4 hours per week), 1 TBL per week (2 hours per week). Pre-clinical placement: around 70 hours per Trimester.
NSOPTM5202Community Optometry 2 (24 points)
Prerequisites
OPTM5201 Community Optometry 1
Clinical placement: up to 4 days per week for 12 weeks. Intensive clinical skills workshops and simulations: up to 5 days on campus.
NSOPTM5203Community Optometry 3 (24 points)
Prerequisites
OPTM5202 Community Optometry 2
Clinical placement: up to 4 days per week for 12 weeks. Intensive clinical skills workshops and simulations: up to 5 days on campus.

See also the rules for the course and the Student Rules.

Rules

Applicability of the Student Rules, policies and procedures

1.(1) The Student Rules apply to students in this course.

(2) The policy, policy statements and guidance documents and student procedures apply, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.

Academic Conduct Essentials and Communication and Research Skills modules

2.(1) Except as stated in (2), a student who enrols in this course for the first time irrespective of whether they have previously been enrolled in another course of the University, must undertake the Academic Conduct Essentials module (the ACE module).

(2) A student who has previously achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the ACE module is not required to repeat the module.

English Language competency requirements

3.(1) To be considered eligible for consideration for admission to this course an applicant must satisfy the University's English language competence requirement as set out in the University Policy on Admission: Coursework, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.

(2) Applicants with qualifications from overseas institutions where English is not the medium of instruction as recognised by AHPRA, must provide evidence of English language competence.

(3) Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.0 and no band less than 7.0 at the time of application.

Admission requirements

4. To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

(a) a bachelor's degree in health science, vision science, biomedical science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;

and

(b) a selection Weighted Average Mark (sWAM) of at least 65 per cent;

and

(c) demonstrated adequate knowledge of each of the following: chemistry (at year 12 or tertiary level), mathematics (year 12 or tertiary level mathematics or statistics), microbiology (at tertiary level) and pharmacology (at tertiary level);

and

(d) a current Australian National Police Certificate, or equivalent certification, indicating no criminal convictions. The currency of a National Police Certificate is 12 months.

Admission ranking and selection

5. Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on—5. Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on—

(a) a structured interview in which eligible applicants will be assessed based on the personal qualities considered desirable in allied health practitioners;

and

(b) the intake quota for that year;

and

(c) a selection score determined by the sWAM and interview score for non-rural applicants, or the sWAM, interview score and rurality ranking for rural applicants

OR

(d) entry via an indigenous pathway

Articulations and exit awards

6. This course does not form part of an articulated sequence.

Course structure

7.(1) The course consists of units to a total value of 192 points.

(2) Units must be selected in accordance with the course structure, as set out in these rules.

Satisfactory progress

8. To make satisfactory progress a student must pass all units in which they remain enrolled after the final date for withdrawal without academic penalty.

9. A student who has not achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module) when their progress status is assessed will not have made satisfactory progress even if they have met the other requirements for satisfactory progress in Rule 8.

Progress status

10.(1) The School, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, may assign a progress status of 'On Probation' or 'Excluded' to a student who does not make satisfactory progress under Rule 8.

(2) Unless it determines otherwise in light of exceptional circumstances, and except as set out in (3), the School, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, assigns a progress status of 'On Probation' to a student who fails to make satisfactory progress under Rule 8.

(3) Unless it determines otherwise in light of exceptional circumstances, the School, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, assigns a progress status of 'Excluded' to a student who—

(a) fails to make satisfactory progress under Rule 8 and has previously repeated two years of the course;

or

(b) fails to make satisfactory progress under Rule 8 in the same year of the course for a second time.

(4) A student who is assigned a progress status of 'Excluded' under (3) (a) or (b) will not be permitted to re-enrol in the course.

11. A student who does not make satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 9 is assigned the progress status of 'On Probation', unless they have been assigned a progress status of 'Suspended' or 'Excluded' for failure to meet other satisfactory progress requirements in Rule 8.

Award with distinction

12. To be awarded the degree with distinction a student must achieve a course weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 80 per cent which is calculated based on—

(a) all units above Level 3 attempted as part of the course that are awarded a final percentage mark;

(b) all relevant units above Level 3 undertaken in articulating courses of this University that are awarded a final percentage mark;

and

(c) all units above Level 3 completed at this University that are credited to the master's degree course.

Deferrals

13. Applicants are not permitted to defer admission to this course and are expected to commence their course in the offered intake only. Approved leave is not available during the first academic year of this course. Applicants seeking admission to an alternative intake must submit a new application for that intake.

Additional rules
Supplementary assessment

14.(1) Subject to (2), a student who fails a barrier component of a unit may be granted a supplementary assessment in that component.

(2) The Board of Examiners will not provide an opportunity for supplementary assessment to a student who—

(a) fails two or more units in any calendar year;

or

(b) fails a deferred or supplementary assessment.

Requirements of students on probation

15. Students who have been assigned a progress status of 'On Probation' must repeat all units that they have previously attempted in that year of the course, in which they have a mark of less than 60 per cent.

Approved Leave and retention of credit

16.(1) Students may apply for a period of approved leave in accordance with the University Policy on Student Enrolment.

(2) Following a period of approved leave of less than two years, students retain credit for all units previously passed.

(3) Following a period of approved leave of two years or more, full credit is unable to be granted and students must repeat the units comprising the most recently completed year of the course.

Requirement to attend and complete prescribed work

17.(1) Students must attend compulsory teaching and undertake practical and clinical work at the University, and other institutions as approved by the School.

(2) Students must abide by the School's Professional Behaviour Procedures set in out in the Workplace-based placements.

(3) Providing approval is granted, a student is permitted to take a maximum of 10 University days annually as leave. Leave can include compassionate leave, medical leave, personal/other leave.

(4) Leave is administered and managed as outlined in the UWA Optometry Student Orientation Handbook.

School's Infection Control Requirements

18. At admission and during their enrollment, students must comply with the School's Infection Control Requirements as appended to the UWA Policies on Admission and Student Enrolment.

First Aid Course Requirements

19. At the time of enrolment students must show first aid competence equivalent to assessment requirements for HLTAID001,

valid for no more than three years.

Mode of Study

20.(1) Students must enrol on a full-time basis unless the School permits otherwise in exceptional circumstances.

(2) Students who have been permitted to enrol on a part-time basis in units of one level will not be permitted to enrol on a part-time basis in units of the next level.

Australian National Police Clearance

21. At admission and annually during enrolment, students must provide a clear current Australian National Police Clearance or equivalent certification.

Credit Transfer

22. Students who

(1) have completed a bachelor's degree in Vision Science or equivalent as recognised by UWA;

and

(2) have completed the UWA Doctor of Optometry Bridging Program;

may apply for credit of prior learning up to a value of 48 points for relevant units in year 1 of the Doctor of Optometry Course.

Commonwealth Supported Place transfer

23.(1) Students enrolled in a Full-Fee Paying place may apply to transfer to a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) at the end of each academic year if places become available.

(2) Students must demonstrate financial need to be eligible.

(3) Students must be in good standing and completed a minimum of 48 points credit to be eligible.

(4) Students will be awarded a CSP based on their course WAM, until all CSP places are filled.

Commonwealth Supported Places

24. A limited number of commonwealth supported places are available at the point of admission. Places are awarded on the following basis:

(1) indigenous applicants;

(2) rural applicants; and

(3) applicants with academic merit demonstrating financial need