Programme overview
Our Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) programme covers both Clinical Optometry and Vision Science. It includes the study of basic physical and life sciences as they relate to the visual system. You will also gain extensive knowledge of optics, the anatomy and physiology of vision, ocular pharmacology, pathology, therapeutics, and immunology.
Programme highlights:
- New Zealand’s only BOptom degree and one of only eight Australasian degrees accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand
- Accreditation as a registered optometrist, able to diagnose and treat eye diseases in New Zealand and Australia
- Clinical and business skill development, to help you manage your own practice or to work in the public health sector
- The opportunity to complete your degree with honours
- Opportunities to develop communication, empathy and problem-solving skills, particularly with children, the elderly and the partially sighted
There are two application categories for entry into the BOptom:
- Undergraduate entry: Undergraduate applicants may apply from either BSc at the University of Auckland or the HSFY at the University of Otago. You can apply as an Undergraduate applicant at the end of your first and/or second year of study in the Bachelor of Science.
- Graduate entry
Please note:
- Entry criteria may change every year. There is no direct entry from secondary school, school leavers are encourage to apply under the Undergraduate entry category
- Shortlisted applicants will be subject to a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).
- Special entry schemes are available for domestic students.
Check out the BOptom FAQs.
Programme structure
- The BOptom is a five-year qualification (600 points). Part I is the first year of a Bachelor of Science, usually in Biomedical Science (or an equivalent programme of study such as the first year in Health Sciences from the University of Otago).
- In the second and third years (Parts II-III), you will take a combination of core courses in applicable life sciences, vision and optometric sciences, anatomy and physiology of vision, mechanisms of disease and optics and visual science.
- You will study general optometric practice and aspects of clinical optometry.
- In your fourth and fifth years (Parts IV-V), you will study contact lenses, paediatric optometry and binocular vision, and continue to learn about eye diseases and treatments.
- You will be required to take courses in advanced clinical optometry and undertake a research project.
- You will gain practical experience in examining and treating patients in one of our public clinics and during external placements.
- You must also include a General Education course in your programme, which you will need to complete in Part Two of the BOptom. Your options are listed in the General Education Schedules that are approved for the BOptom programme.
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
Sample programme structure
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- BIOSCI 101
- Name:
- Life! Origins and Mechanisms
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BIOSCI 106
- Name:
- Foundations of Biochemistry
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BIOSCI 107
- Name:
- Biology for Biomedical Science: Cellular Processes
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- PHYSICS 160
- Name:
- Physics for the Life Sciences
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- POPLHLTH 111
- Name:
- Population Health
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- CHEM 110
- Name:
- Chemistry of the Living World
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- MEDSCI 142
- Name:
- Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- WTRSCI 100
- Name:
- Waipapa Taumata Rau
- Type:
- Core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 216
- Name:
- Introduction to Optometry
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 263
- Name:
- Essential Optics
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 272
- Name:
- Visual Science 1: Structure and Function of the Visual System
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- MEDSCI 203
- Name:
- Mechanisms of Disease
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Type:
- General Education course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 3 120 points
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 316
- Name:
- Optometry
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 60 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 345
- Name:
- Principles of Ocular Pharmacology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 353
- Name:
- Ocular Pathology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 375
- Name:
- Visual Science 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- MEDSCI 202
- Name:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 4 120 points
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 416
- Name:
- Clinical Optometry
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 430
- Name:
- Contact Lens Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 442
- Name:
- Optometry for Special Populations
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 450
- Name:
- Diseases of the Eye and Visual System: Diagnosis and Management
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 783
- Name:
- Research Project in Vision Science
- Type:
- Research project
- Points:
- 30 pts
Year 5 120 points
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 510
- Name:
- Advanced Clinical Optometry 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 520
- Name:
- Advanced Clinical Optometry 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- OPTOM 561
- Name:
- Optometry in Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 60 pts
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Undergraduate entry
To apply for BOptom 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: Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Auckland
- CHEM110: Chemistry of the Living World
- BIOSCI107: Biology for Biomedical Science - Cellular Processes
- MEDSCI142: Biology for Biomedical Science - Organ Systems
- BIOSCI101: Life! Origins and Mechanisms
- PHYSICS160: Physics for the Life Sciences
- BIOSCI106: Foundations of Biochemistry
- POPLHLTH111: Population Health
The remaining 15 points must comprise of:
- One 15 point General Education course listed in the Open or EMHSS Schedule (excluding BIOSCI100G, EXERSCI100G, MEDSCI100G, MEDSCI101G, OPTOM101G, POPLHLTH103G).
Option B: University of Otago's Health Science First Year (HSFY)
- CHEM191: The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health
- CELS191: Cell and Molecular Biology
- PHSI191: Biological Physics
- BIOC192: Foundations of Biochemistry
- HUBS192: Human Body Systems II
- HUBS191: Human Body Systems I
- POPH192: Population Health
- Optional paper
Interview Eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across all 8 first year courses, with no fails, to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews).
Interview Ranking
If eligible, you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the core courses (in bold above). If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.
Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking will be based on a weighting of the following components:
- GPA for core course: 50%
- Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)
Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.
Graduate entry
To apply for the BOptom under the Graduate entry category, applicants must have completed a relevant degree/degrees on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic calendar year is required to be considered as full time for BOptom admission. A typical academic calendar year is 120 points.
Depending on your previous study you may need to undertake part or all of the First Year courses before commencing Part II. If you are required to take Part I courses, you must pass all these courses clearly within one year in order to proceed to Part II. This will be assessed as part of your application for admission.
Interview Eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across their last 2 years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). Shortlisted international applicants will be interviewed over Skype/phone.
Interview Ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two academic years of full time study in completed qualification/s. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.
Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:
- GPA for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum overall GPA of 5.5 is required)
- Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)
Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
- If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
Undergraduate entry
To apply for BOptom 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: Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Auckland
- CHEM110: Chemistry of the Living World
- BIOSCI107: Biology for Biomedical Science - Cellular Processes and Development
- MEDSCI142: Biology for Biomedical Science - Organ Systems
- BIOSCI101: Essential Biology: From Genomes to Organisms
- PHYSICS160: Physics for the Life Sciences
- BIOSCI106: Foundations of Biochemistry
- POPLHLTH111: Population Health
The remaining 15 points must comprise of:
- One 15 point General Education course listed in the Open or EMHSS Schedule (excluding BIOSCI100G, EXERSCI100G, MEDSCI100G, MEDSCI101G, OPTOM101G, POPLHLTH103G).
Option B: University of Otago's Health Science First Year (HSFY)
- CHEM191: The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health
- CELS191: Cell and Molecular Biology
- PHSI191: Biological Physics
- BIOC192: Foundations of Biochemistry
- HUBS192: Human Body Systems II
- HUBS191: Human Body Systems I
- PUBH192: Foundations of Epidemiology
- Optional paper
Interview Eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across all 8 first year courses, with no fails, to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews).
Interview Ranking
If eligible, you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the core courses (in bold above). If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.
Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:
- GPA for core course: 50%
- Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)
Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.
Graduate entry
To apply for the BOptom under the Graduate entry category, applicants must have completed a relevant degree/degrees on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic calendar year is required to be considered as full time for BOptom admission. A typical academic calendar year is 120 points.
Depending on your previous study you may need to undertake part or all of the First Year courses before commencing Part II. If you are required to take Part I courses, you must pass all these courses clearly within one year in order to proceed to Part II. This will be assessed as part of your application for admission.
Interview Eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across their last 2 years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). Shortlisted international applicants will be interviewed over Skype/phone.
Interview Ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two academic years of full time study in completed qualification/s. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.
Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:
- GPA for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum overall GPA of 5.5 is required)
- Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)
Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
How much does a Bachelor of Optometry cost per year?
2025 fees
Please note: Additional costs for the BOptom include purchasing prescribed texts and essential equipment, and potential costs associated with travelling to off-site practicum locations. You should allow approximately $13,000 over the four years of study.
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,485.60*
- International students
- NZ$62,933*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,332.00 for full-time study (150 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: Late/incomplete applications are not accepted. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 1 July 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
How to apply
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
Where could this programme take you?
On graduation you can be accredited as a registered optometrist, able to diagnose and treat eye diseases in New Zealand and Australia. The majority of optometrists enter private practice, which offers regular hours and the freedom to choose where to live and work. Optometrists can also practise in hospitals and clinics or work in the industry or research. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.
Jobs related to this programme
- Registered optometrist
Graduate story
Find out how Kendall Johnston's BOptom prepared her for her role at OPSM Hamilton.
Read Kendall's storyStudent career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513