How to Become an Optometrist

1. Earn a Tertiary Degree

Earning a tertiary degree is the first step in becoming an optometrist. Tertiary refers to education after high school, which can include university, or college education as well as vocational courses. To become an optometrist, a person will need a tertiary degree. The exact tertiary degree a person will need to become an optometrist can differ. Some optometry schools produce only a bachelor's degree, while some people will be eligible to practise only after a masters degree. For some, they will require Doctorate of Optometry degree. A Bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree that can be obtained at a University or College. To become an optometrist, a person will typically need to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science or Vision Science. This degree may be combined with a Master’s in Optometry in some Universities. A Bachelor in Biomedical Science or Vision Science will provide a person with the knowledge to become an optometrist with topics of study including the anatomy of the eye and optics of lenses and instruments, according to the University of New South Wales. A minimum of a bachelor's degree is a requirement at most universities to be able to register as an optometrist. Some people may need to proceed into a master’s degree in optometry, often known as a Master of Clinical Optometry or Doctor of Optometry in Australia. This typically involves several years of additional study, with the exact length of study depending on the university. A Master’s degree in optometry will provide a person with the in-depth knowledge and clinical skills to become an optometrist. A Master's of Optometry will typically involve on-campus classes, as well as clinical placement

2. Gain Pre-Registration Experience

Gaining pre-registration experience is an important step in becoming an optometrist. Pre-registration experience refers to an optometry student gaining practical experience in an optometry setting. Gaining pre-registration, practical experience is often conducted as part of a degree, often a Master’s of Optometry degree. A student will undertake a placement in a real optometry setting to gain real-world experience in a clinical setting, with patients.

3. Register with the Optometry Board of Australia

Registering with the Optometry Board of Australia is the final step in becoming an optometrist in Australia. The Optometry Board of Australia is a body that registers optometrists, creates standards of practice for the optometry profession, and approves accreditation standards and courses, according to the Optometry Board of Australia website. To become a registered optometrist, a graduate must apply via the Optometry Board’s website and fill out the appropriate forms. The board will then review the application and ensure you meet the prerequisites to become an optometrist and grant you registration if you do.

What is an Optometrist?

An optometrist is a primary eye care professional that is the first point of contact in your eye health journey. An optometrist in Australia will generally need, at minimum, a university degree, which qualifies them to carry out a range of eye care services such as eye tests, prescription updates and treatment of eye diseases.

Where to Study Optometry in Australia?

In Australia, a person hoping to become an optometrist will study optometry at a university. Optometry university courses in Australia are reviewed and approved by the Optometry Board of Australia to ensure they meet guidelines and will provide students with the skills they need to practise optometry. The universities that provide an optometry degree in Australia include the University of New South Wales, Deakin University, Flinders University, The University of Canberra, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Melbourne and the University of Western Australia.

What are the Skills Required to Become an Optometrist?

The skills required to become an optometrist include the ability to conduct eye tests, writing prescriptions, communication skills and critical thinking. Some of the skills required to become an optometrist are listed below.

• Ability to conduct eye tests: Conducting eye tests is a key skill in becoming an optometrist as they are what allows an optometrist to assess vision issues and diagnose eye diseases.
• Writing prescriptions: Writing prescriptions is a key skill in becoming an optometrist as prescriptions are what correct vision issues and allow people to see better.
• Communication skills: Communication skills are important in becoming an optometrist. Optometrists must be able to speak with their patients, as well as other eye care professionals such as ophthalmologists and optical dispensers, to ensure that patients are receiving the care they need.
• Critical thinking: Critical thinking is an important skill to have as an optometrist, as being able to analyse and evaluate a situation can help manage eye diseases and vision issues.

Where to Find Optometrists in Australia?

You can find an optometrist, including Oscar Wylee optometrists, in various locations around Australia. Oscar Wylee optometrists are located in every state in Australia, with over 120 stores across the country. If you require an optometrist for eye care services such as eye tests and prescription updates, find an Oscar Wylee optometrist near you and book an appointment using our online booking page.