Careers in Optometry and Vision Science

Can you see an optometry career in your future?

Optometrists play a valuable role in maintaining eye health. They examine eyes, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, manage a range of vision-related issues including myopia and dry eye and treat eye diseases such as red-eye and glaucoma.

The majority of optometrists enter private practice, which offers regular or flexible hours and the freedom to choose where to live and practise. Optometrists can also work in hospitals, private ophthalmology clinics and research environments. Optometrists may also choose to specialise in an area of interest such as paediatric optometry, myopia control, contact lens practice and therapeutic optometry. Your optometry degree is also recognised for registration in Australia.

With further postgraduate study, you could have the opportunity to take part in ground-breaking research and new clinical practice initiatives which can lead to more career opportunities.

The Bachelor of Optometry leads to a career as a registered optometrist with opportunities for clinical specialisation, while further postgraduate study in optometry and vision science may lead to opportunities such as:

  • Research scientist
  • Academic lecturer
  • Product manager for pharmaceuticals or contact lens manufacturing
  • Bioengineer in vision science

The level of education needed will vary according to each role.

The first step is to study a Bachelor of Optometry. The University of Auckland offers New Zealand's only BOptom degree, which qualifies you to register to work as an optometrist in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, with therapeutic prescribing rights.

Admission to the BOptom can be through either Undergraduate or Graduate entry pathways. The Undergraduate pathway requires successful completion of a year of prescribed courses, with an application and interview process held during that year. Successful applicants enter Part 11 of the BOptom.