Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry
at UNSW Sydney, New South Wales.
A five-year program at UNSW Kensington combining the Bachelor of Vision Science with the Master of Clinical Optometry, the qualification for registration as an optometrist. Assumed knowledge is Chemistry, English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced and Physics.
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the UNSW Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 99.00 | uac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 99.50 | uac.edu.au |
| 2023 | 99.50 | uac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through UAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
No formal Year 12 subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge may still apply.
What you will study
Students study optometry and vision science, combining advanced visual and ocular science with professional training in clinical optometry. The Master of Clinical Optometry years include major clinical involvement at the UNSW Optometry Clinic and other clinics.
Placement and industry experience
Clinical training in the master's years includes major clinical involvement with the UNSW Optometry Clinic and other clinics, alongside advanced visual and ocular science.
Career outcomes
- Graduates are registered optometrists in independent and corporate optometry practice, hospital eye clinics and rural NSW after AHPRA registration.
- First-year jobs typically include corporate optometry (Specsavers, OPSM), independent practice in Sydney, hospital optometry at Westmead Eye Clinic and rural locum work.
- Many alumni progress to therapeutic prescribing endorsement, specialty contact-lens or paediatric practice, or run their own practice or franchise.
Professional accreditation
- Recognised by the Optometry Boards of Australia and New Zealand
Typical first jobs
- Optometrist at corporate practices (Specsavers, OPSM)
- Independent practice optometrist in Sydney metropolitan and regional NSW
- Hospital optometrist at Westmead, Sydney Eye Hospital and partner LHDs
- Rural and remote locum optometrist
- Behavioural and developmental optometry practice
- Specialty contact lens and dry eye practitioner
Graduate starting salary
$80,000 - $100,000 per year
Source: jobsandskills.gov.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
The program is recognised by the Optometry Boards of Australia and New Zealand, so graduates can register as optometrists. Graduates work in independent and corporate optometry practices, hospitals and research.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students with strong physics, biology and chemistry foundations
- Those comfortable with fine clinical examination work
- People aiming for a regulated AHPRA-registered profession in five years
- Students willing to combine independent or corporate practice career planning
- Those happy to do rural placement blocks for CV value
It is probably not for you if
- Students uncomfortable with the physics-heavy optics content
- Those unwilling to do extended clinical placements
- Anyone hoping to avoid therapeutic prescribing pharmacology
Related courses at UNSW
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the UNSW Sydney website and on UAC before applying.