Optometry University of Auckland

Overview

The Optometry programme at the University of Auckland provides a comprehensive education in vision science and clinical practice. This five-year qualification is designed to equip students with the scientific knowledge and practical expertise required to become registered healthcare professionals. By integrating theoretical study with hands-on clinical experience, the university ensures graduates are prepared for the complexities of modern eye care.

Why Optometry at the University of Auckland?

This is the only degree of its kind in New Zealand and is one of only eight Australasian programmes accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand. Students benefit from developing clinical and business skills that allow them to manage private practices or work within the public health sector. The university provides unique opportunities to work with diverse patient groups, including children, the elderly, and the partially sighted, fostering strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 68723 per year
• National fee: USD 11114 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum progresses from foundational life sciences to advanced clinical practice and research. Modules may include:

• Life! Origins and Mechanisms
• Biochemistry
• Cellular Processes
• Physics for the Life Sciences
• Population Health
• Chemistry of the Living World
• Organ Systems
• Optometry
• Essential Optics
• Visual Science
• Mechanisms of Disease

Careers with Optometry

Graduates are eligible for accreditation as registered optometrists, enabling them to diagnose and treat eye diseases across New Zealand and Australia. Most professionals enter private practice, enjoying flexible working locations and regular hours. Other career paths include roles in hospitals, specialist clinics, the ophthalmic industry, or clinical research. The programme prepares students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce as qualified practitioners.