Duration
Full-time: 5 years
Next start date
2021 Semester One – 1 March
2022 Semester One – 28 February
Available locations
Grafton
Points
600
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand.

This programme enables you to develop communication, empathy and problem-solving skills, particularly working with children, the elderly and the partially sighted.

It will prepare you for registration as an Optometrist, and you’ll be equipped to diagnose visual problems or impairments, advise on the prevention of vision loss, prescribe and provide treatment.

This programme covers both theory and the clinical aspects of Optometry, preparing you for the workforce after graduation.

Entry into the BOptom is limited and competitive. You will be selected on the basis of academic merit and personal qualities exhibited during the admission interview (MMI). There are 60 places available each year.

There are two application categories for entry into the BOptom:

  • Undergraduate entry: Undergraduate applicants may apply from either BSc (Biomedical Science) at the University of Auckland or the HSFY at the University of Otago
  • 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) that includes year one, as the Bachelor of Science 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 two General Education courses in your programme (30 points total). One will need to be completed prior to admission to the BOptom (during the first year of the BSc in Biomedical Science), and one the following year 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 or two General Education courses.

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

Yr1 Biomed 120 points

  • Code:
    BIOSCI 101
    Name:
    Essential Biology: From Genomes to Organisms
    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 and Development
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    PHYSICS 160
    Name:
    Physics for the Life Sciences
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    Stage I Elective Course or
    Name:
    POPLHLTH 111 Population Health
    Type:
    Elective 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
  • Type:
    General Education 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

2021 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) (Biomedical Science) 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) Biomedical Science, University of Auckland

The remaining 30 points must comprise of:

  • Either POPLHLTH111: Population Health OR one 15 point elective course from the Science schedule compatible with the Biomedical Science programme
  • One 15 point General Education course listed in the Open or EMHSS Schedule (excluding BIOSCI100G, MEDSCI100G, MEDSCI101G, OPTOM101G, POPLHLTH103G).

Option B: University of Otago's Health Science First Year (HSFY)

Important information about the impacts of Covid-19 on clinical programme entry for 2021

Students interested in applying for one of the limited entry Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences clinical programmes in 2021 should be aware of some COVID-related adjustments.

Students undertaking First-Year courses were required to sit the Clinical Selection Test (CST). Please continue to check the CST Canvas page which is updated regularly.

Your Semester Grade will be used for ‘Eligibility’. For 2021 admission, the combined Semester Grade + CST Grade will be used for ranking for ‘MMI invite’ and ‘Final Offer’.

The Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) will take place. Strategies for holding MMI at various alert levels are being finalised and more information will be provided about this soon.

Interview Eligibility
You will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.0 across all 8 first year courses, with no fails, to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). The CST will not be used. 

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). For the courses completed in Semester 1, 2020 the grade will be the composite grade from your official Semester Grade and CST grade. 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 (combined with the CST grade) will be used for the final selection. Please see the CST page for more information.

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 (combined with the respective CST grade for Sem 1 courses): 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 6.0 across 3 years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). If a graduate applicant has completed more than three years of full time study, the best three years of study will be used for GPA calculations. 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 6.0 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:

Undergraduate entry

To apply for BOptom as an undergraduate student you must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Biomedical Science) 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) Biomedical Science, University of Auckland

The remaining 30 points must comprise of:

  • Either POPLHLTH111: Population Health OR one 15 point elective course from the Science schedule compatible with the Biomedical Science programme
  • One 15 point General Education course listed in the Open or EMHSS Schedule (excluding BIOSCI 100G, MEDSCI 100G, MEDSCI101G, OPTOM101G, POPLHLTH 103G).

Option B: University of Otago's Health Science First Year (HSFY)

Important information about the impacts of Covid-19 on clinical programme entry for 2021

Students interested in applying for one of the limited entry Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences clinical programmes in 2021 should be aware of some COVID-related adjustments.

Students undertaking First-Year courses were required to sit the Clinical Selection Test (CST). Please continue to check the CST Canvas page which is updated regularly.

Your Semester Grade will be used for ‘Eligibility’. For 2021 admission, the combined Semester Grade + CST Grade will be used for ranking for ‘MMI invite’ and ‘Final Offer’.

The Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) will take place. Strategies for holding MMI at various alert levels are being finalised and more information will be provided about this soon.

Interview Eligibility
You will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.0 across all 8 first year courses, with no fails, to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). The CST will not be used. 

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). For the courses completed in Semester 1, 2020 the grade will be the composite grade from your official Semester Grade and CST grade. 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 (combined with the CST grade) will be used for the final selection. Please see the CST page for more information.

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 (combined with the respective CST grade for Sem 1 courses): 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 6.0 across 3 years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). If a graduate applicant has completed more than three years of full time study, the best three years of study will be used for GPA calculations. 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 6.0 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:

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

How much does a Bachelor of Optometry cost per year?

2021 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,279.20 – $9,207.60*
International students
NZ$55,150*

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 $8.02 per point, estimated at $1,203.00 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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

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

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 2021
1 October 2020

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

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.

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

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

Graduate story

Find out how Kendall Johnston's BOptom prepared her for her role at OPSM Hamilton.

Read Kendall's story

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.

Key Information for Students

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