Duration
Full-time: 5 years
Next start date
2026 Semester One – 2 March
2027 Semester One – 1 March
Available locations
Grafton
Points
600
Programme type
Undergraduate

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. 

See a list of your courses available

Most students need to take one General Education course.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

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

Further study options

See all study options

Student 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.

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