How long does it take to become an optometrist Australia?

A satisfying career caring for people’s vision.

What's it like to be an Optometrist?

An Optometrist is a health care professional who provides primary eyecare through comprehensive eye examinations to detect and treat various visual abnormalities and eye diseases. They have an intimate knowledge of the workings of the eye and visual systems. Optometrists use a variety of complex techniques and instruments to understand their patients’ needs.

Tasks and duties

  • Conducting eye examinations by taking a detailed case history to determine what visual problems the patient may be experiencing, as well as other relevant information about their health and visual needs.
  • Performing tests in order to detect and diagnose eye disease, such as glaucoma.
  • Advising patients on their best treatment options. This may include prescribing suitable spectacles, contact lenses or eye exercises, prescribing medications to treat infections or other eye diseases, or giving advice on lighting, visual habits or other issues.

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How to become an Optometrist


To work as an Optometrist, you will need to complete a degree in optometry that is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).


  1. Complete a relevant degree such as the Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry. This double degree usually takes between 3.5–5 years of full-time study. Entry is based on Year 12 results and performance in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
  2. Alternatively, if you have already completed an undergraduate degree, complete a Doctor of Optometry. This course usually takes 4 years of full-time study. Entry is based on prior academic performance, as well as performance in the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).
  3. Register with the Optometry Board of Australia to practise as an Optometrist.

Courses with in-demand skills

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How long does it take to become an optometrist Australia?
Optometry

Patient Care

AHPRA Registration

Results Focused

Problem Identification

Solutions Focused

Rapport Building

Multitasking

Customer Service

Team Work


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Is Optometrist the right role for me?


How do Optometrists rate their role?

Average ratings calculated from 14 Optometrists surveyed on SEEK

Career progression opportunities


Job market trends for Optometrists

Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Role Reviews

Latest Optometrist reviews

Latest reviews from 12 Optometrists surveyed on SEEK

Optometry is as satisfying as you make it, but you need to find the right work environment for you and put in the effort.

Reviewer's Qualification

Bachelor of Optometry/Bachelor of Science

Organisation size

I'm self-employed

Specialisation

Primary Eye Care

The good things

This is a career that offers much flexibility in hours and days. Don't do it for the money. The best thing about it is the satisfaction you get from helping patients, looking after them long-term, var...

The challenges

You won't make millions unless you get very creative with business and expand. However, you can make a decent income. There are many retail pressures, and many of my colleagues are burnt out from work...

Read more

Reviewer's Qualification

Bachelor of Optometry

Organisation size

Small (1-19 employees)

Specialisation

Laser vision surgery

The good things

Great salary and very easy job. Work life balance is good especially for women with children

The challenges

Very little career progression and not much variety

Read more

Source: SEEK Role Reviews

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Is it hard to become an optometrist in Australia?

To work as an Optometrist, you will need to complete a degree in optometry that is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). Complete a relevant degree such as the Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry. This double degree usually takes between 3.5–5 years of full-time study.

Do optometrists get paid well in Australia?

The average optometrist salary in Australia is $129,750 per year or $66.54 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $110,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $150,000 per year.

How long do you study to become an optometrist?

Optometrists in South Africa typically study for more than 4 years. In order to work in this field, you will have to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Is there a demand for optometrist in Australia?

In 2018, a report by Deloitte Access Economics was commissioned by Specsavers which investigated the supply and demand of Australia's optometric workforce until 2037. The report outlined that the demand for optometric services would grow from 9.4 million in 2018 to almost 18.1 million by 2037.