Faculty of Science : Guide to courses 18. Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom)

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18. Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom)
    18.1. Course objectives
    18.2. Attributes of the Bachelor of Optometry graduate
    18.3. Duration
    18.4. Course requirements (2002 and 2003 intake)
    18.5. Course requirements (pre-2002 intake)

18. Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom)

Optometry is a professional discipline based on the optical and visual sciences. The practice of optometry involves the diagnosis and treatment of functional disorders and diseases of the eye and vision: the optometrist's job is to solve patients' visual problems. The practice of optometry is regulated by the Optometrists Registration Act in each state of Australia. Under these Acts the practice of optometry can be carried out only by those whose names appear on the register of optometrists. Graduates holding the Bachelor of Optometry degree of the University of Melbourne are qualified to be registered for the practice of optometry in each state and territory of Australia and in New Zealand.

18.1. Course objectives

This course's objectives are for graduates to:

• have a sound foundation in the physical, chemical, mathematical and biological sciences, and in particular have a good knowledge and understanding of human biology;

• understand the passage of light through lenses and optical systems (including the eye) and be able to predict and measure the nature and quality of optical images;

• have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the performance and function of the human visual system;

• understand the dysfunctions and diseases of the eye and visual system and know their genesis, natural course, treatment and prognosis;

• have acquired skill in the techniques necessary for the examination of the eye and the assessment of visual function;

• have developed skills in problem identification, in deciding on effective strategies to gather information for the resolution of these problems, in weighing evidence prudently and in making decisions and are able to apply these skills to scientific problems in the visual and clinical sciences as well as to particular problems presented by patients;

• have developed the interpersonal and communication skills necessary in relationships with patients and professional colleagues and for the communication of the results of scientific enquiries;

• are professionally competent in the practice of optometry and are able to gain registration by the appropriate professional body;

• have the knowledge, skill and attitude to enable adaptation to scientific, technological and social change, have a sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning and a capacity to be creative and innovative; and

• have a strongly developed sense of professional and ethical responsibility for patients, colleagues and the community generally and are aware of the moral and legal responsibilities of professional practice.

18.2. Attributes of the Bachelor of Optometry graduate

Optometry is a professional discipline based on the optical and visual sciences. Optometry graduates from the University of Melbourne are qualified health professionals able to practice within Australia and in a number of other countries.

The optometry graduate has the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to effectively practice in their profession. Accordingly, they

• have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the performance and function of the human visual system;

• understand the dysfunctions and diseases of the eye and visual system and know their genesis, natural course, treatment and prognosis; and

• have acquired skill in the techniques necessary for the examination of the eye and the assessment of visual function.

In addition, they have developed skills in problem identification, in deciding on effective strategies to gather information for the resolution of these problems, in weighing evidence prudently and in making decisions and are able to apply these skills to scientific problems in the visual and clinical sciences as well as to particular problems presented by patients.

Optometry graduates also have the interpersonal and communication skills necessary in relationships with patients and professional colleagues and for the communication of the results of scientific enquiries. They are professionally competent in the practice of optometry and are able to gain registration by the appropriate professional body. They have a strongly developed sense of professional and ethical responsibility for patients, colleagues and the community generally and are aware of the moral and legal responsibilities of professional practice.

In the longer term these graduates have the knowledge, skill and attitude to enable adaptation to scientific, technological and social change. They have a sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning and a capacity to be creative and innovative. These attributes enable them to continue to develop their own professional abilities as well as contributing to the development of the profession as a whole and the understanding of the vision sciences.

18.3. Duration

The Bachelor of Optometry course takes five years of full-time study incorporating a pre-optometry year followed by four years study of optometry.

For current students who commenced the course prior to 2002 the Bachelor of Optometry course is a four-year full-time program.

18.4. Course requirements (2002 and 2003 intake)

The Bachelor of Optometry is a five-year course in which the first year covers the fundamental sciences and the remaining four years comprise the Bachelor of Optometry.

Note: An alternative chemistry sequence for students who did not complete Year 12 Chemistry is available commencing with 610-171 Fundamentals of Chemistry.

The BOptom year 4 comprises 32 weeks.

18.5. Course requirements (pre-2002 intake)

As shown below, the optometry course is essentially fixed, although there is some choice of subjects in the first year.

Students will be automatically enrolled in the subjects forming each of the later years of the course providing they have passed all subjects in the previous year.

The clinical year (fourth year) has 32 weeks. Students will be advised of the precise dates by the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences.

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