Transferring into Optometry

How Many Places are Available in the Bachelor of Optometry?

Of the 48 Commonwealth Supported Places available, the majority (usually 23-28) are offered for entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Optometry. Applicants for this entry pathway are predominantly students who have completed the pre-Optometry year via the Bachelor of Science. Students who have studied science/health related courses at the University of Melbourne or another institution may be eligible for entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Optometry.

In some years, depending on availability, there may also be a small number of places available for appropriately qualified students to enter the third year of the Bachelor of Optometry course.

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What is Lateral Entry?

Lateral entry is an option for students who have already completed some of the requirements of the B.Optom through their previous studies in another course and then apply for entry into the B.Optom at a later year level. The most common example of this is students who study the pre-optometry subjects within the B.Sc and then apply to transfer into the second year of the B.Optom.

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What do I Need to have Studied to be Eligible for Second Year Lateral Entry?

To be eligible for admission to the second year of the B.Optom you must have:

1. passed at least one full year of an approved course at the tertiary level; and
2. obtained a pass grade or higher in the following tertiary prerequisite subjects, completed at a tertiary institution and at a standard which, in the opinion of the Faculty of Science, is equivalent to the standard pertaining in the Faculty of Science at the University of Melbourne:
   • one quarter of a year of study of each of Biology, Physics and Chemistry; and
   • one eighth of a year of study in at least one of Vision Science, Vision Science (Optics) or Statistics;
3. a VCE Unit 3 and 4 study score of at least 25 in mathematical methods, or equivalent.

Most students achieve this by enrolling in the Bachelor of Science and following the pre-optometry year course plan. If you don't follow this course plan you can still apply for entry into Optometry but may not be eligible for direct entry or be as competitive.

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How Many Students Apply for Lateral Entry into Second Year?

It can vary from year to year, but on average, approximately 60-70 students apply for lateral entry into second year (this includes both internal applicants and eligible external applicants).

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How Will My Application be Accessed?

Your entire academic record will be looked at with performance in the prerequisite subjects having the most weight. You should, as a guide, aim to have an average of 75% - 80% in those prerequisite subjects to be competitive for selection. Any additional studies relevant to the discipline and your Year 12 results may also be taken into account.

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Am I Disadvantaged if I Enter the BOptom by Lateral Entry into Second Year?

No.

B.Sc students who follow the pre-optometry course plan enter the second year of the B.Optom having studied exactly the same subjects as students who entered the B.Optom straight from year 12.

There can also be an advantage to completing the pre-optometry year within the B.Sc if you are unsure that Optometry is the right career for you. The pre-optometry year is structured so that you can easily move into another science major after first year if you decide your interests lie elsewhere.

If you have not followed the pre-optometry course plan you may have to overload in your second year to pick up additional subjects or in fact may not be eligible for lateral entry.

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Can I Apply Later if I Don't Get in at Second Year?

You can continue to apply for lateral entry into the B.Optom. If you were not offered a place because your marks were below the required average, you would need to continue your studies and substantially improve your average before reapplying.

Many students who decide to continue to pursue the opportunity to transfer into Optometry do so by studying a major in Vision Science in the B.Sc and reapplying for transfers at a later date, or more commonly by completing an honours in Vision Science and reapplying.

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What Credit Will I get for my Prior Study?

If you have followed the pre-optometry course plan in the B.Sc at the University of Melbourne, you will receive full credit for the 1st year and will go straight into the 2nd year.

If you have not followed the standard course plan, are entering from another degree or University, or are entering the B.Optom at a later year level, you will need to apply for credit. This will be assessed on an individual basis. If you are studying the Vision Science major you are more likely to have completed subjects for which you will be eligible for credit.

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What are my Options if I Don't Get into the BOptom?

You can continue to reapply if your application is not successful, however, there is no guarantee of success. If your interest is in the eye and vision and how they work, you may wish to consider the option of completing a major in Vision Science through the B.Sc.

The Vision Science major includes several of the same subjects that are studied by B.Optom students, and offers graduates the opportunity to research and work in optometry and vision related fields such as pharmacology, neuroscience, optics, lighting or visual ergonomics, to name a few.

• Information about majoring in Vision Science - no link provided

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Where Can I get Further Information?

An information session will be held later in the year for all students considering lateral entry (details of this session will automatically be sent to all students who have completed the 1st year Vision Science subjects (655-111 and/or 655-152). You can also register your interest with the Faculty to be included on the mailing list).

Access the University of Melbourne Undergraduate Studies Handbook for subject descriptions.

FACULTY OF SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
VIC AUSTRALIA 3010
Telephone: + 61 3 8344 6404
Facsimile: + 61 3 8344 5803
Email: science-queries@unimelb.edu.au

DEPARTMENT OF OPTOMETRY & VISION SCIENCES
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
VIC AUSTRALIA 3010
Telephone: + 61 3 8344 7008/7012
Facsimile: + 61 3 9349 7498
Email: admin@optometry.unimelb.edu.au