The Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry is a five-year dual qualification that prepares graduates to practise as registered optometrists in Australia and internationally. The program combines the theoretical foundations of vision science — including ocular anatomy and physiology, optics, neuroscience, and the psychophysics of vision — with the clinical expertise required for primary eye care practice. Students graduate equipped to diagnose vision problems, manage eye diseases, prescribe corrective lenses, and deliver therapeutic interventions including topical medications. The degree is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ), and upon completion graduates can apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia (OBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

This program is designed for students who are passionate about health sciences and committed to patient-centred care. It suits those with a strong aptitude for biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as an interest in combining clinical practice with technology and interpersonal communication. The curriculum is progressive, moving from foundational science principles in the undergraduate years to advanced clinical placements, diagnostic instrumentation, and therapeutic management in the master's component. Students gain experience treating patients across a wide range of ages, conditions, and settings — from metropolitan optometry clinics to rural and remote communities across Australia.

Graduates of this combined degree are employed across a broad range of settings, including private and corporate optometry practices (such as Specsavers, OPSM, and Oscar Wylee), public hospitals, community health centres, low vision services, defence and occupational health services, and academic or research institutions. Some graduates pursue ownership of their own independent practice, while others work in industry roles with ophthalmic companies, lens manufacturers, and medical device organisations. The qualification is recognised in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia, offering strong international career mobility.

For the undergraduate entry pathway (Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Clinical Optometry), applicants typically require completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with a competitive ATAR — generally in the range of 85 to 95+ depending on the institution and year of application. Most Australian universities specify assumed knowledge or formal prerequisites in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Biology (or equivalent senior secondary subjects), though policies vary between institutions — some use assumed knowledge frameworks rather than hard prerequisites. Applicants may also be required to submit a personal statement and meet any mandatory vaccination, immunisation, and Working with Children screening requirements before commencing clinical placements in later years of the program. Some institutions also offer alternative entry pathways for applicants who have completed prior higher education study in a relevant science discipline.

For postgraduate or graduate-entry optometry programs, such as the Doctor of Optometry (OD) offered at certain institutions, applicants typically need a completed bachelor's degree in biomedical science or an equivalent science discipline, along with demonstrated prerequisite study in chemistry, mathematics, and biological sciences at tertiary level. Entry to these graduate programs is highly competitive and based on academic performance (weighted average mark), and may include an interview or selection ranking process. Some institutions also grant advanced standing or credit for prior learning if applicants hold relevant undergraduate optometry or vision science qualifications.

International applicants must satisfy English language proficiency requirements. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) requires all optometry graduates to demonstrate English proficiency at a minimum of IELTS 7.0 (Academic) or equivalent before being considered for professional registration with the Optometry Board of Australia. Individual universities may set their own English language thresholds for admission, which may be equal to or higher than AHPRA's registration standard. Prior to beginning clinical placements, all students are typically required to complete relevant immunisation, police checks, and working with vulnerable people clearances in accordance with state or territory requirements.