UWA announces the state’s only degree in optometry.

The University of Western Australia’s three-year degree starts next year in the university’s School of Public Health with 64 places a year, apparently including internationals. Entry is based on a bachelor of medical science, with specified grade point averages plus interviews.

UWA advises, “the course content and teaching is based on the competency standards for optometrists in Australia and New Zealand.” These are set by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand.

Optometry is on the Commonwealth’s Skilled Occupation List for independent visas. However, in 2017 member organisation Optometry Australia  argued there would be an over-supply of Australian graduates by next year.

Optometry education is not absent in the west. Curtin U provides a pathway into “vision science” and optometry at Flinders U.