Registered  members with 100+ posts do not see Ads

Optometry Schools Selection Criteria (2021 Updated)

2xq

Allied Health Member
For those considering Optometry as an alternative career to medicine/dentistry, this is the page that'll list all UNDERGRADUATE accredited courses (Australian Programs) that'll allow you to practice as an Optometrist in a very digestible table much like Med schools Selection Criteria Y12s & Non-standards AND UPDATED Dentistry Schools Selection Criteria Y12s & Non-standards. (Link: Accredited Optometry Programs - AHPRA & National Boards).

If there is anything missing/incorrect about the following table, please let me know! :yay: (Also there's nothing on non-standard entry well because... there's simply nothing online to go off.)

UniversityDegree OfferedCourse LengthATAR/Lowest Selection Rank (LSR)Prerequisites (PR)/Assumed Knowledge (AK)Notes
Deakin UniversityBachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry3.5 Years95.80 (LSR 2021 Entry)Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL. (PR)- Applicants are able to include a Personal Statement
- SEAS Available
- Subject Adjustments - A study score of 40 in any English equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 35 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 35 in any English equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Flinders UniversityBachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science)/Master of Optometry5 Years96.00 (LSR 2021 Entry)SACE Stage Two chemistry, mathematics and physics or equivalent. (AK)- UES Available
- Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry5 Years99.00 (Selection Rank)English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)

Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, C)

Physics (Units 3 & 4, C)

(AK)
- EAS Available
- Elite Athlete Entry Scheme
- Subject Adjustments CLICK HERE
University of Canberra (UC)Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry5 Years85.00 (Selection Rank)ACT: Mathematical Methods major; Chemistry major; and Physics major. NSW: Mathematics; Physics; and Chemistry. (AK)- Priority to Indigenous Students, ADF Personnel and Reservists & Elite Athletes.
- EAS Available
- Subject Adjustments CLICK HERE
University of New South Wales (UNSW)Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry5 Years99.20 (LSR Dec Round 2 2021 Entry) 99.25 (LSR Jan Round 1 2021 Entry)Chemistry, English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced, Physics. (AK)- EAS/ACCESS Scheme Available
- Indigenous Access Scheme
- Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders Program
 
Last edited:
Hi guys so I have a question about getting into optometry and medicine next year I want to ask what GPA we need for that and also how to apply after 1 year of tertiary study do we just use like QTAC is it same as the we apply like year 12 or we have to appply something different thanks ur help really appreciated 🙏🙏
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2xq

2xq

Allied Health Member
Hi guys so I have a question about getting into optometry and medicine next year I want to ask what GPA we need for that and also how to apply after 1 year of tertiary study do we just use like QTAC is it same as the we apply like year 12 or we have to appply something different thanks ur help really appreciated 🙏🙏
Hello!

From what I'm reading, you are a non-standard applicant wanting to do either optometry or medicine. For optometry, not much is known about the GPA/WAM required. The only thing that really gives a clue is the ATAR/Selection Rank required. Each university may calculate an equivalent GPA/WAM requirement differently so you'll probably have to do some research on what GPA/WAM will convert to for the universities listed above.

For non-standard medicine, you'll need to sit UCAT ANZ. The GPA/WAM requirements is listed in the 1st source listed below. The 2nd source are other medstudentsonline users submitting their admission data.
Because you are a non-standard applicant, you will be required to apply through the TAC's (much like a year 12 school leaver).

Hope this helps!

(Also if there is anything that is incorrect, please correct me :>)
 

dotwingz

Google Enthusiast
Moderator
Hey 2xq, does UNSW allow non standard entry into their VisSci/ClinOptom double or do non standards have to try compete through the grad entry ClinOptom part.

Also as an FYI on GPA to Selection ranks here's is QUT (i assume ur qld based), so a GPA of 6.5+ should be enough

QUT
6.95 - 99.95
6.50 - 99.00
6.00 - 98.00
5.50 - 97.00
5.00 - 96.00
4.50 - 95.00
4.25 - 94.00
4.00 - 93.00
3.75 - 88.00
3.50 - 85.00
3.25 - 82.00
3.00 - 79.00
2.75 - 76.00
2.50 - 72.00
2.25 - 67.00
 

2xq

Allied Health Member
Hey 2xq, does UNSW allow non standard entry into their VisSci/ClinOptom double or do non standards have to try compete through the grad entry ClinOptom part.

Also as an FYI on GPA to Selection ranks here's is QUT (i assume ur qld based), so a GPA of 6.5+ should be enough

QUT
6.95 - 99.95
6.50 - 99.00
6.00 - 98.00
5.50 - 97.00
5.00 - 96.00
4.50 - 95.00
4.25 - 94.00
4.00 - 93.00
3.75 - 88.00
3.50 - 85.00
3.25 - 82.00
3.00 - 79.00
2.75 - 76.00
2.50 - 72.00
2.25 - 67.00
Hey Dot,

Not much is known about UNSW's VisSci/ClinOptom double degree. Only about 50 people even get offered a place (According to UAC Sem 1 2020 Data). With that being said, UAC (Sem 1 2020 Data) does say there are 15 places offered to those with "(A) Higher education study (Includes a bridging or enabling course)".

The ambiguity lies in the fact that the category "includes a bridging or enabling course". People that undertake the UNSW Foundation Studies and gain a GPA of 9.0 (out of 10) are able to get into the VisSci/ClinOptom double degree. Non-standard Entry tho? Well... no one has really written anything about it on the web.

So to answer your question, there probably have been people that have been offered a non-standard place. With that being said tho, most people end up competing for a postgraduate place (i.e. Master of Clinical Optometry).

If anyone has information about this, do let me know!

UAC Student Profile Sem 1 2020 Data
1617523897802.png
 

tksm

Member
With that being said tho, most people end up competing for a postgraduate place (i.e. Master of Clinical Optometry).
Some of my friends are in this program, and postgrad places are very limited (within the single digits). However, only UNSW BVisSc students can apply for the postgrad places. Spots only open in the MClinOptom when someone leaves the integrated program i.e. the sum of people who leave year 1/2/3 will be the amount of spots available in the masters.

Not 100% sure about the UAC data - I think it might represent the number of students enrolled in the course after census date, rather than the total offer numbers. 50ish sounds about right for the cohort size.

Anecdotally I managed to get an offer this year based on my GPA (7) but did not accept. I'm not sure if this was based on 0.875FTE or 1FTE since I had a little GPA kerfuffle last year. From memory, I think UNSW only needs 0.75FTE to be considered.

Hopefully this helps someone :)
 

kkkk

Regular Member
Hey I have been wondering, is there any massive benefit one would have if they went UNSW over the other unis which have a lower atar requirement for this degree or is it just for some minor reasons like prestige???
 

2xq

Allied Health Member
Hey I have been wondering, is there any massive benefit one would have if they went UNSW over the other unis which have a lower atar requirement for this degree or is it just for some minor reasons like prestige???
In the field of Allied Heath, it makes little to no difference. The most probable reason why UNSW has a really high requirement is due to location to prospective applicants.
 

Registered  members with 100+ posts do not see Ads

Panda4

Member
Hi all! I was wondering if it matters where we go to do our undergraduate of vision science/master of optometry. My UCAT was horrible so I am looking to go into optom at QUT if I can but am looking for a backup university if I don't make it. I have a raw predicted ATAR around 96-98 (+2 for physic at QUT) so I think I have a good shot for all optom courses. From a brief look at over the unis, Deakin has a very accelerated course but, this makes me feel like there is too much going on at one time during the course to cram it in. I have also looked at Flinders and I don't know too much about that one too. Any info on how good the course is and whether the environment there is nice to live in would be much appreciated. Thanks!
 

2xq

Allied Health Member
Hi all! I was wondering if it matters where we go to do our undergraduate of vision science/master of optometry. My UCAT was horrible so I am looking to go into optom at QUT if I can but am looking for a backup university if I don't make it. I have a raw predicted ATAR around 96-98 (+2 for physic at QUT) so I think I have a good shot for all optom courses. From a brief look at over the unis, Deakin has a very accelerated course but, this makes me feel like there is too much going on at one time during the course to cram it in. I have also looked at Flinders and I don't know too much about that one too. Any info on how good the course is and whether the environment there is nice to live in would be much appreciated. Thanks!
glizzyseal can provide some more information about Deakin Optometry.
Deakin Optometry runs in trimesters so you end up doing 1.5 FTE in 1 year which is how Deakin is able to compress the course into 3.5 years i.e. (2 trimesters = 1 FTE)

Your ATAR prediction looks like it is enough for most optometry universities (other than UNSW). QUT may be borderline but if you end up with a 97 ATAR [Personally, I would aim higher so mid 97s] (+2 Physics bonus gives you 99.00 SR which is what they require as a minimum), you may have a selection rank that'll allow you to receive an offer.
 

mnh21

Lurker
Hi all,

I was wondering what your thoughts on undergraduate optometry at Deakin vs UNSW are? I am aware that Deakin's is accelerated, however I was wondering:
  1. what is the reputation of each of the courses like?
  2. what you know from your own experience? (is it better/worse that Deakin is accelerated?)
  3. is it worth moving interstate for UNSW although Deakin is shorter?
Thanks in advance!!
 

2xq

Allied Health Member
Hi all,

I was wondering what your thoughts on undergraduate optometry at Deakin vs UNSW are? I am aware that Deakin's is accelerated, however I was wondering:
  1. what is the reputation of each of the courses like?
  2. what you know from your own experience? (is it better/worse that Deakin is accelerated?)
  3. is it worth moving interstate for UNSW although Deakin is shorter?
Thanks in advance!!
1. Both are fine.
2. (not really applicable to me so I will open this up to anyone that does optometry)
3. UNSW is super competitive. I assume you are in VIC so Deakin University would be a better university to go to.
 
D

Deleted member 48318

Guest
Hey just wanting to know if there is a jobs board here for optometry roles to post here somewhere?
Unable to create new post.
Mods please delete if not allowed, not trying to spam.
 

2xq

Allied Health Member
Hey just wanting to know if there is a jobs board here for optometry roles to post here somewhere?
Unable to create new post.
Mods please delete if not allowed, not trying to spam.
Given that there hasn't been a response yet, I'm just going to say that it is probably best to just avoid advertising in general on mso
 

Registered  members with 100+ posts do not see Ads

dotwingz

Google Enthusiast
Moderator
I mean it would probably be best to stay clear of any job posting on this website, for one it means moderators would have to shift through genuine offers and either false offers to try and trick people of their personal information and/or work from home $1000 a day!!!1!! -esque spam

Regardless there are very few optometry students on this board, and would be shocked if there was a regular active optometrist. Let alone one the right fit for your position

Thanks though
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2xq
D

Deleted member 48318

Guest
Yep mods please delete, more success on linkedin.
 

Catscan

Member
Hi all,
It's that time of the year when high school leavers (and beyond) might be thinking about studying optometry as a possible backup to medicine/dentistry (I was doing precisely that two years ago), so I thought I'd just make a optometry factsheet/FAQ as a current vision science student.

Getting to know the job:
Can optometrists do surgery? No. The most common eye surgery is cataract surgery, and this is done by an ophthalmologist.
Do optometrists diagnose diseases? Yes, they are often the first to pick up ocular abnormalities and pathology BUT will then refer patients to ophthalmologists for treatment (eg. surgery, glaucoma drops).
Can optometrists prescribe (insert medication)? They can prescribe some topical medications and of course, glasses and contact lenses.

Optometry vs vision science:
Optometry: accredited allied health qualification you can obtain from UNSW, Canberra, Deakin, Flinders, Melbourne and UQ. Master's degree level.
Vision science: similar to a BSci with a major in vision science, however, you are pushed to begin developing clinical skills from 1st year. Bachelor's degree. Possible pathways from BVisSci: entry into Master of Clinical Optometry, Master of Orthoptics (more later), vision science research or other postgraduate degrees.

The structure of optometry degrees:
Historically, optom has been a 5-year Bachelor level degree. Most Australian unis have now moved to a 3-year Bachelor's plus 2 year Master's (even Melb whose degree has a Doctor of Optometry title, but master-level coursework).

(Essentially, there's two degree streams:
Bachelor of Vision Science, or
Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry.)


Deakin has gained popularity as having a 3.5 year program - 2 years undergrad, 1.5 years postgrad - but note that they're on a trimester system. The first year has four subjects per trimester I believe, and I've heard anecdotally that third-year clinical skills are too rushed in delivery. I've also heard that the fourth-year placement is 6 months long and in one location, with not many chances to be exposed to varying patients and pathology. Note: this is mostly anecdotal stuff I've not heard personally from people.

Master of Orthoptics at UTS is another related postgraduate degree after vision science that deals with diagnosing and managing eye disorders (like double vision, squint, lazy eye). There is some scope to work in a hospital here, unlike optometry, and you'd work closely with ophthalmologists here too.

Cut-offs:
Entry cutoffs to the Bachelor's start at around 85-90 ATAR, I think, the lower end for Canberra or Deakin. Entry to Master's lies at around 93-95 ish for Flinders, Deakin, Canberra - and 98-99+ for UNSW. This is all for high school leavers, mind you - I'm not sure about the GPA needed for non-standard entry.

How I got here: 2020 HS grad, studying Bachelor of Vision Science [not the master's stream] at UNSW. I got into UNSW with a 93.75 ATAR in 2020, and also got successful offers for BVisSci/MClinical Optom from Flinders and Deakin in Y12 - you get bonus points for Flinders if you do HSC Physics and Chemistry. After my 1st year, I applied to UQ with 6.3 GPA and got into the master's stream but didn't take the offer (only put it there as I was applying for med). This year I'm applying to medicine again.

Quality across schools:
Of course, I may be biased, but UNSW is really a couple of leagues above the other optometry schools; being bigger on research, having more staff and students etc etc. If you want to get an optometry qualification any of the degrees will work for you. UNSW has trimesters, but I can't say whether it's better/worse than semesters, having started uni when they implemented trimesters.

What it's like:
Cohort sizes do vary but we started with ~150 in 1st year, and dropped to 140 this year. By 4th year (1st year of master's), it's usually around 40-60, but numbers, again, do vary. Similar to medical science, a large majority are med-hopefuls, a small minority actually want to be optometrists, and an even smaller amount want to do vision research. Students are definitely very driven, with a good amount maintaining HDs, but there's no cut-throat/sabotaging behaviour that I've seen in optometry that reportedly happens in medical science. Something funny/interesting is that almost everyone works at an optometry clinic (Specsavers, OPSM, Bailey-Nelson etc.) - it's a good allied health job that is flexible, complements what you study, and builds your communication/teamwork skills.
Classes are usually 2-3 online lectures and one in-person tutorial (small group class) per week. Subjects eg. Anatomy might have 1x 3hr lab/week, while vision science might have 1x 1hr practical where you'll be doing ray tracing or something.
The lecturers in the school of Optom/Vision Science are all very kind and know what they're talking about. The other science subjects, being under various faculties, are more hit-or-miss - but you don't have to worry about that after 2nd-year. 3rd year has a heavy focus on diseases of the eye and is infamously tricky to do well in - think memorising 50 or so similar eye diseases.

Why optometry:
My first-year subjects consisted of 1 maths subject, 1 biology, 2 chemistry, 1 physics and 3 vision science subjects. Subjects except for vision science units were intro science courses - you'll share classes with those in exercise physiology, medical science, biomedical engineering - pretty much anyone who has science as the foundation for their degree. These subjects were just an extension of Y12 science knowledge, and it is possible to get HDs in all of them.
You'll also be interested in 2nd-year subjects, where we do whole-body anatomy (with weekly cadaver labs) and physiology (you'll be sharing classes with med sci students for both), while starting to learn more about the visual system and building pre-clinical optometry skills (you get to learn optical dispensing, which is unique to all other optometry schools in Australia - it's kind of an auxiliary skill that optometrists don't necessarily use, but should know imo). Honestly, the subject is just fun, too :)
As an alternative to say, medical science, I really do think vision science has merit in being broad enough to get uni-level knowledge across all sciences, while being specific enough to progress towards a vocation. It's also helped me prepare for GAMSAT, but that's later down the track for many of you.

Any cons:
You don't qualify for the Lateral Entry Scheme as UNSW med sci does, but if you're able to keep up your marks and do sufficiently well in the UCAT - your chance is just as large.
If you didn't do science in HS, I would say it'd be hard work, particularly in first-year - but lecturers and tutors are readily available to help you.
Getting into the Bachelor's degree only doesn't guarantee you a place in optometry.

(I do apologise that this became slightly 'optom vs med sci' - that was not my intention. I'm just putting my experience and thoughts out here to hopefully help someone along the way).

Finally, thanks for reading - hope this helps! I'm also more than happy to answer any questions here. Cheers and have a good one!!
 

Registered  members with 100+ posts do not see Ads

Top