Postgraduate study in Optometry and Vision Science

A variety of study options are available for new BOptom graduates, practising optometrists and vision scientists to gain postgraduate qualifications in Optometry and Vision Science.

The School of Optometry and Vision Science encourages both new and less-recent graduates to consider postgraduate study as it provides an opportunity to gain advanced knowledge in a specialised field.

The school’s postgraduate programmes are designed to assist and enhance clinical, biomedical and vision science research. There are a number of active research groups within the school who are all undertaking leading-edge clinical, biomedical and vision research.

In addition, there are research study collaborations with a number of specialist groups:

• New Zealand National Eye Centre
• Department of Ophthalmology
• School of Medical Sciences
• School of Biological Sciences
• Department of Physiology
• Department of Sport and Exercise Science
• Auckland Bioengineering Institute
• Liggins Institute
• Department of Psychology

Postgraduate study in the school offers:

• Outstanding clinical, biomedical and psychophysical research facilities
• Leading researchers in various fields of clinical, biomedical and vision research
• Access to collaborators, equipment and excellent facilities

Study options can be undertaken full-time or part-time, and some programmes allow primarily distance-based study. This is an attractive option for practising optometrists.

Please note that the following qualifications do not qualify for registration as an Optometrist in New Zealand or Australia: PGDipSci, MSci, MHSc and PhD with Optometry as a specialisation.

If you are contemplating postgraduate study you should consult with our postgraduate advisors about the options available to you. They will work with you to design a programme suitable to your personal needs and situation.

Explore the postgraduate courses you can take for an Optometry specialisation:

• Postgraduate Optometry courses

Jobs related to Optometry and Vision Science

Postgraduate study is ideal for currently-registered optometrists who wish to explore an area of specialisation part-time or full-time in the Master of Health Science. It is also ideal for anyone with a suitable degree interested in pursuing research in topics related to optometry or vision science in the Postgraduate Diploma in Science, Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

Please note: Postgraduate study does not lead to a career as an optometrist; registration as an optometrist requires an approved undergraduate degree which in New Zealand is the Bachelor of Optometry.

Each year we award scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships or begin an application by visiting Scholarships and awards.

For general student enquiries, please contact Student Hubs.