Bachelor of Optometry

Bachelor of Optometry is a Semester One (1 March); Semester One (28 February) Bachelor program taught at University of Auckland, New Zealand. The program is offered in campus-based modes with full-time (Full-time: 5 years) options.

The Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) at the University of Auckland covers Clinical Optometry and Vision Science. You study basic physical and life sciences as they relate to the visual system, along with optics, the anatomy and physiology of vision, ocular pharmacology, pathology, therapeutics, and immunology.

The programme is full-time and lasts 5 years. In Parts II–III, you take core courses in life sciences, vision and optometric sciences, mechanisms of disease, optics and visual science, plus general optometric practice. In Parts IV–V, you study contact lenses, paediatric optometry, binocular vision, and you take advanced clinical optometry plus a research project. You gain practical experience examining and treating patients in public clinics and during external placements, and you complete a General Education course in Part Two.

Modules

• OPTOM 216: Introduction to Optometry
• OPTOM 263: Essential Optics
• OPTOM 272: Visual Science 1: Structure and Function of the Visual System
• MEDSCI 203: Mechanisms of Disease
• OPTOM 316: Optometry
• OPTOM 345: Principles of Ocular Pharmacology
• OPTOM 353: Ocular Pathology
• OPTOM 375: Visual Science 2
• MEDSCI 202: Microbiology and Immunology
• OPTOM 416: Clinical Optometry
• OPTOM 430: Contact Lens Practice
• OPTOM 442: Optometry for Special Populations

The minimum requirements for admission in Bachelor of Optometry at University of Auckland for all applicants (Domestic or International) are:

• program specific academic requirment set by University of Auckland.
• English Language OR any other language requirments as set by University of Auckland as pre-requiste for admission in Bachelor of Optometry.

Note: Please check the university website in the link below.

Applicants apply to the BOptom using one of two application categories for entry. There is no direct entry from secondary school. Shortlisted applicants will attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). Special entry schemes are available for domestic students.

For 2027 entry (Undergraduate entry): To apply as an undergraduate student you must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Auckland, or the Health Sciences First Year at the University of Otago.

This must be completed on a full time basis and must include the following courses: Option A (University of Auckland) CHEM110, BIOSCI107, MEDSCI142, BIOSCI101, PHYSICS160, BIOSCI106, POPLHLTH111, WTRSCI 100; Option B (University of Otago) CHEM191, CELS191, PHSI191, BIOC192, HUBS192, HUBS191, POPH192.

Interview eligibility requires a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across the 7 first year courses listed in bold above, with no fails, to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI). All University of Auckland applicants must also pass WTRSCI 100.

Final selection ranking uses GPA for the 7 courses in bold above: 50% and Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year). Applicants are offered admission according to rank order until available places in the category are filled.

For 2028 entry (First Year entry): First Year applicants must complete eight courses in the first year of one of the listed University of Auckland programmes (including Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc) and multiple Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Health Sciences options), and applicants completing the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) at the University of Otago will also be considered under this category.

The required first year courses include BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111, WTRMHS 100 or WTRSCI 100, plus 3 x 15 point courses from the degree. This study must be completed on a full time basis and in the year of application for the Bachelor of Optometry.

Please check detail of study units at https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/bachelor-of-optometry-boptom.html

• You qualify to work as an optometrist.
• Accreditation as a registered optometrist enables you to diagnose and treat eye diseases in New Zealand and Australia.
• You can manage your own practice or work in the public health sector.

14 fully funded scholarships are listed for New Zealand. See New Zealand scholarships.