Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry
at Queensland University of Technology, Queensland.
A five-year integrated QUT Vision Science/Master of Optometry program leading to direct AHPRA optometry registration. Taught at the Kelvin Grove campus with substantial clinical placement at the QUT Health Clinics and partner eye-care services in regional Queensland.
ATAR cutoff history
Published cutoff data for the Queensland University of Technology Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry. We never invent figures; entries marked "not published" mean the university or admissions centre has not released a verified cutoff for that intake.
| Intake year | ATAR cutoff | Admissions centre |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
| 2024 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official QTAC cutoff release.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
The early years of this integrated five-year program build the science of vision: anatomy and physiology with a focus on the eye, optics and the physics of light, general and ocular biology, and an introduction to clinical and professional practice. QUT teaches this at its Kelvin Grove health precinct with strong laboratory and clinical-skills training. The middle years deepen ocular science and clinical knowledge: ocular disease and pharmacology, visual perception, binocular vision, refraction and dispensing, and patient examination techniques. You progress from the Bachelor of Vision Science into the Master of Optometry component, with increasing supervised clinical contact in the QUT Health Clinics. The final years are dominated by clinical practice. You see patients under supervision across comprehensive eye care, including therapeutic management, and complete substantial placements with partner eye-care services and in regional Queensland. The program leads directly to optometry registration, with therapeutic prescribing built into the qualification.
Example first-year subjects
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Optics and the Physics of Light
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Introduction to Vision Science
- Foundations of Clinical Practice
- Health, Communication and the Practitioner
How you will be assessed
- Clinical placement competency and supervisor evaluation
- Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs)
- Laboratory and optics practical assessments
- End-of-semester theory exams in ocular science and pharmacology
- Patient case studies and management plans
- Reflective practice journals after clinical blocks
Career outcomes
- Graduates are registered optometrists in southeast Queensland, regional Queensland and across Australia after AHPRA registration.
- First-year jobs typically include corporate optometry (Specsavers, OPSM), independent practice in Brisbane, hospital eye clinics and rural locum work in Queensland.
- Many alumni progress to therapeutic prescribing endorsement, specialty practice in paediatric or low-vision optometry, or open their own practice in regional Queensland.
Professional accreditation
- Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand accredited
- AHPRA Optometry Board of Australia registration eligible
Typical first jobs
- Registered optometrist in corporate practice (Specsavers, OPSM)
- Optometrist in independent practice in Brisbane
- Optometrist in regional and rural Queensland
- Hospital eye-clinic optometrist
- Locum optometrist
- Therapeutically endorsed optometrist in comprehensive eye care
Graduate starting salary
$60,000 - $70,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Graduates of the OCANZ-accredited program are eligible for general registration as an optometrist with the Optometry Board of Australia through AHPRA, including therapeutic prescribing endorsement. After registration, optometrists can pursue specialty practice in areas such as paediatric, low-vision or contact-lens optometry, complete further clinical training, move into practice ownership, or undertake research through a masters or PhD. The five-year integrated structure means no separate postgraduate degree is required to enter practice.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students strong in physics, chemistry and biology
- Detail-oriented people who value precision and patient safety
- Those who enjoy direct patient contact and health care
- Learners committed to a long, registration-based program
- People comfortable combining science with clinical practice
It is probably not for you if
- Students wanting a short, flexible degree
- Those uncomfortable with physics, optics and detailed science
- People who dislike close patient contact
- Anyone unwilling to complete extensive clinical placements
Related courses at QUT
Sources
- https://www.qut.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-vision-science-master-of-optometry
- https://www.qtac.edu.au/
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the Queensland University of Technology handbook and on QTAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/qut/bachelor-of-vision-science.