Bachelor of Vision Science

Study a Bachelor of Vision Science and begin your journey towards a career in optometry.

Our course has been developed with academics, practitioners and representatives from international optometry companies and will be launched in the same year UC opens the doors to our state-of-art UC Public Hospital.

During your degree you will develop foundation knowledge and skills in the biomedical sciences with a specific focus on optical and vision sciences.

You will also broaden your skills in business and management related areas should you choose to explore private practice.

On graduating from this undergraduate degree you will be eligible for entry into a Master of Optometry.In your final year you will enrol in the work-integrated unit Integrated Eye Care and Ocular Therapeutics.

This unit incorporates a significant component of industry experience and includes clinical and non-clinical placements designed to observe the latest vision science industry projects and optometric practice in progress.The Bachelor of Vision Science is a 3-year program.

This course is accredited with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) until April 2023.

Successful completion of both the Bachelor of Vision Science AND the Master of Optometry course at the University of Canberra will allow graduates the chance to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia to practice as an optometrist.

Bachelor of Vision Science (72 credit points) Required - Must pass 72 credit points as follows

• 6529 - Systemic Anatomy and Physiology - 3 cp, Level 1 7434 - Indigenous Health: Contemporary Issues - 3 cp, Level 2 8997 - Professional Practice in Health - 3 cp, Level 1 8999 - Evidence Based Medicine 1 - 3 cp, Level 2 9531 - Small Business Management - 3 cp, Level 2 10285 - Ocular Anatomy and Physiology - 3 cp, Level 1 10286 - Ophthalmic Optics - 3 cp, Level 1 10287 - Assessment of Vision 1 - 3 cp, Level 1 10288 - Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology - 3 cp, Level 2 10289 - Functional and Developmental Disorders of Vision - 3 cp, Level 2 10290 - Assessment of Vision 2 - 3 cp, Level 2 10291 - Diseases of the Eye - 6 cp, Level 2 10293 - Pharmacology for Health Professionals - 3 cp, Level 2 10295 - Assessment of Vision 3 - 3 cp, Level 3 10296 - Integrated Eye Care and Ocular Therapeutics - 6 cp, Level 3 10408 - Assessment of Ocular Health - 3 cp, Level 2 10409 - Ocular Pharmacology - 3 cp, Level 3 10410 - Clinical Optics and Dispensing - 3 cp, Level 1 10411 - Professional Practice in Optometry - 3 cp, Level 2 11174 - Introduction to Management - 3 cp, Level 1 11399 - Understanding People and Behaviour - 3 cp, Level 1 11400 - Professional Orientation (Health) - 3 cp, Level 1

Admission Requirements

Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:- Year 12 ATAR- other Australian Qualification- work experience- overseas qualificationWe also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes. More information is available on our Alternative Entry page: http://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/applications/apply-now/alternative-entry

Additional Admission Requirements

Clinical practice is a key component of the program and is assessed. Students may be required to complete this component outside of teaching time. Prior to commencing clinical practice, all students need to present a complete immunisation schedule, and First Aid certificates including CPR, as a requirement of the ACT and NSW health departments. All students are required to undergo a 'working with vulnerable people' check, an Australian Federal Police Record Check prior to undertaking clinical experience in the ACT, and a NSW Police check before undertaking practice in NSW.

Assumed Knowledge

ACT: Mathematical Methods major; Chemistry major; and Physics major.NSW: Mathematics; Physics; and Chemistry.

Periods Course is Open to New Admissions

Information on admission closing dates can be found here.