NZ Recommend Majors
Optometry
Bachelor of Optometry
Optometry
Bachelor of Optometry
An optometrist does far more than test eyesight and fit glasses. Optometrists must be able to identify everything related to eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, and they send reports to eye specialists when patients need referral. They are often described as “family doctors for the eyes”. Through the programme, students learn how to diagnose eye diseases and prescribe medication. Through clinical practice, they learn how to test patients directly and communicate with them, so they are ready to start work as professional optometrists straight after graduation.
Study pathways
University of Auckland
Optometry Bachelor’s Programme in New Zealand
Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) – 1 year
Bachelor of Optometry – 4 years
- 3-year Post-Study Open Work Visa
- Optometrist
Career opportunities
Students enter the University of Auckland through Biomedical Science and then complete a further four years of study, five years in total. After that, you register with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board and obtain an Annual Practising Certificate before you can work as a fully registered optometrist.
The job market is very strong, and most graduates are already employed before they graduate. Optometrists mainly work in independent practices, corporate chains and specialist eye clinics. For example, OPSM is one of New Zealand’s best-known eye-testing and eyewear retailers, with dozens of branches in Auckland alone and stores across the world, including Australia and the UK. Some graduates work in Auckland, while others take higher-paid roles in regional areas, where optometrists are in short supply. Many also move to Australia, as no additional study is required, only registration there.
