Education
Every eye health career has a clear education pathway. Whether you're heading to university, TAFE, or starting on the job — this page maps out what's involved and how to get there.
Eye health careers span a wide range of education levels — from Certificate III qualifications you can complete in under a year, to decade-long specialist medical training. The right pathway depends on the career you're aiming for and where you're starting from.
What they all have in common: a genuine need for more First Nations people, and real support available to help you get there.
Required for optometry, ophthalmology, orthoptics, nursing, and vision research. Degrees typically take 3 to 6 years for undergraduate, with specialist training adding more years beyond that.
Most universities have dedicated First Nations student support units, scholarships, and alternative entry pathways. Ask about the Indigenous Entry Scheme or equivalent at your chosen university.
The pathway for optical dispensing and eye health coordination. Certificate and Diploma qualifications are more flexible, often part-time, and can be completed while working.
TAFE institutions across Australia offer First Nations support services, fee concessions, and flexible study options. Some qualifications can be completed through workplace-based training.
If you're still at school, the subjects you choose in Years 11 and 12 can open or close doors. Here's what to focus on for each pathway.
Strong ATAR required for direct entry. Some universities offer bridging programs.
Requires entry into a medical degree first. Very competitive ATAR or graduate entry via GAMSAT.
Accessible via Certificate IV or Diploma. Year 12 completion is typically sufficient.
Bachelor degree entry. Science subjects strengthen your application.
Requires a Bachelor of Nursing first. Ophthalmic specialisation comes after registration.
Year 10 or 12 completion is typically sufficient. Life experience and community connection are valued.
Requires a science degree. Strong ATAR opens more university options.
Here's a summary of the education pathway for each eye health career. Click through to the full career page for more detail.
Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry
MBBS + FRANZCO Fellowship
Certificate IV or Diploma in Optical Dispensing
Bachelor of Orthoptics
Bachelor of Nursing + ophthalmic specialisation
Certificate III/IV in Primary Health Care
Bachelor's degree + Honours/PhD
You don't have to navigate this alone. There are scholarships, mentoring programs, and support services specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in health.
Most Australian universities have alternative entry pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that don't rely solely on ATAR. Contact the Indigenous Student Support unit at your chosen university to find out more.
Scholarships are available through universities, the Australian Government (including the Indigenous Health Scholarship), professional bodies like RANZCO and Orthoptics Australia, and organisations like The Fred Hollows Foundation.
Students willing to work in rural or remote communities after graduating may be eligible for additional financial support, loan forgiveness, or placement assistance through programs like the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training program.
FNEHA and WISE connect First Nations students with mentors already working in eye health. The WISE community forum is also a place to ask questions and find others on the same journey.
TAFE institutions offer First Nations student support services including tutoring, cultural support workers, fee concessions, and flexible study arrangements. Ask your local TAFE about what's available.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners play an essential role in delivering culturally safe primary healthcare, including eye health promotion, screening, referral, and support services within communities.
These qualifications provide a strong foundation for community-based health careers and can support progression into further study in nursing, public health, and allied health professions.
Accredited optometry programs across Australia and New Zealand
| University | Degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Deakin University | Bachelor of Vision Science & Master of Optometry | Learn More |
| Flinders University | Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science) / Master of Optometry | Learn More |
| Queensland University of Technology | Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry | Learn More |
| University of Canberra | Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry | Learn More |
| University of New South Wales | Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Clinical Optometry | Learn More |
| University of Melbourne | Doctor of Optometry | Learn More |
| University of Western Australia | Doctor of Optometry | Learn More |
| University of Auckland (New Zealand) | Bachelor of Optometry | Learn More |
Approved programs for the medical degree required before specialising in ophthalmology
Many eye health professionals begin their careers by completing a medical degree before specialising in ophthalmology. The following Australian medical schools offer approved programs.
Registered Nurses play an important role in eye health screening, patient education, surgical care, chronic disease management, and community outreach programs. More than 150 Ahpra-approved nursing programs are available across Australia through universities and higher education providers.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) maintains a searchable database of approved programs of study for all registered health professions. Use it to find accredited courses in Optometry, Medicine, Nursing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice, and Allied Health.
For the most current course information, entry requirements, study modes, and fees, visit the individual university or training provider websites.
Explore the individual career pages for detailed pathway information, or reach out to the WISE community for personalised guidance.
