Optometrist (NT)

Education and Training:

To become an optometrist you usually have to study optometry at university. Alternatively, you can study biomedicine or vision science at university, followed by a postgraduate qualification in optometry.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your NTCET. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. You may also be required to sit the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT). Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

It is a legal requirement for graduates to be registered with the Optometry Board of Australia before practising as an optometrist in any state or territory in Australia. For full details, see the Optometry Board of Australia's website.

Optometrists may also be required to obtain a Working with Children Check once registered. Contact the relevant Optometrists Association Australia state or territory division for further information.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

There are no courses currently linked to this job for this state/territory. Please try another state/territory.

Employment Opportunities:

Most graduates enter private practice on completion of their course. Some graduates choose to embark on non-clinical careers that make use of their skills as visual scientists. Most non-clinical positions are in universities and research organisations or with companies involved in the manufacture of optical instruments and lenses.

As optometry becomes more diversified, there are increasing opportunities for specialisation in areas such as sports vision, children's vision and industrial vision practices.