Becoming an optometrist in Australia involves a combination of education, practical experience, and registration. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to pursue this healthcare profession:
1. Obtain a Tertiary Qualification in Optometry
- Accredited Degree: You must complete a degree that’s accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). These include bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Course Options: Double degrees that combine a Bachelor of Medical Science or Vision Science with a Master of Optometry or Clinical Optometry are common
- Duration: These double degrees typically take 3.5 to 5 years of full-time study
- Entry Requirements: Entry usually requires appropriate Year 12 (high school) results and satisfactory performance in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). Some universities may have “assumed knowledge” of subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or English.
Undergraduate and Graduate Pathways
- Undergraduate Entry: Some universities offer direct entry into optometry programs after high school. These programs typically require a strong ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank).
- Graduate Entry: If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., science or biomedicine), you can pursue a Doctor of Optometry, which generally takes four years of full-time study. Entry usually requires strong academic performance and a good score on the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). The University of Melbourne, for example, has a standard entry pathway that involves completing an undergraduate degree in Biomedicine or Science, followed by the four-year Doctor of Optometry program.
List of Optometry Schools in Australia
There are seven schools of optometry in Australia:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- Australian Capital Territory
- South Australia
- Western Australia
2. Gain Pre-Registration Experience
- Clinical Placements: As part of your optometry program, you’ll need to undertake placements in optometry practices to gain real-world clinical experience.
- Requirements: Prior to starting clinical placements, you may need to provide evidence of immunizations, completion of a First Aid course including CPR, a working with vulnerable people check, and a police check.
3. Register with the Optometry Board of Australia (OBA)
- Application: After completing your qualifications and gaining the required experience, you need to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia.
- Assessment: The board will review your application to ensure you meet all the necessary prerequisites and standards for registration.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD): To maintain your registration, the OBA requires you to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year.
For Overseas-Trained Practitioners
To practice as an optometrist in Australia, international practitioners need to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia.
Skills Assessment
To apply for most skilled visas, including the subclass 189, 190, and 485, optometrists must undergo a positive skills assessment. The designated authority responsible for assessing optometrists is the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand Limited (OCANZ). The skills assessment process involves two main requirements:
- Eligibility: Optometrists must demonstrate their eligibility to sit the Competence in Optometry Examination (COE). This requires successful completion of a course equivalent to four years of full-time study or three years of full-time study followed by one year of supervised clinical practice.
- Competence in Optometry Examination (COE): Optometrists must pass all components of the COE, which consists of a written examination and a clinical examination.
Visa Options
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): To be eligible for this visa as an optometrist, you must meet the following criteria: Immigration Points, English Language Proficiency, Age, Invitation, Skills Assessment, and Health and Character Requirements.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): To be eligible for the Subclass 186 visa as an optometrist, you must meet the following criteria: Experience, English Language Proficiency, Age, Sponsorship, Skills Assessment, and Health and Character Requirements.
By following these steps, you can embark on a fulfilling career as an optometrist in Australia, helping people maintain and improve their vision and eye health.