University: The University of Western Australia

Postgraduate Degree: Doctor of Optometry

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Physiology

School Subjects: English, Mathematics Methods, Human Biology, Chemistry, Japanese

____________________________________________

Ever since I was a child, I always wanted a career in healthcare. After completing my undergrad in Biomedical Science, I was unsure of what pathways to take. With the introduction of the Optometry course in 2021, I applied on a whim. Now that I’m entering my final year of Optometry, I can now say with confidence that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Both the academic and social aspects have been rewarding, and I’m looking forward to finishing the course in 2025.

Physiology

Physiology is like Human Biology in school but more detailed as the years progress. It focuses on the processes of the human body at the cellular level. The content progressively becomes more in-depth, with focus on academic research and writing increasing each year. Despite the increased in-depthness, Physiology is still a very broad major. It’s designed to supplement learning from a different major or degree, or progress to a postgrad degree or honours.

Structure-wise, it’s a typical STEM major with lectures, tutorials, and labs with a few presentations and a final exam. A personal challenge I had was the 7-hour labs in the final year, which I found intensive. Social-wise, I found it difficult to make friends as the cohort was so large. In fact, there are many Optom students in my cohort who did Physiology at the same time as me, who I never met before.

Upon completing my undergrad, I took a gap year and applied for multiple postgrads, including Doctor of Optometry (OD).

Doctor of Optometry (OD)

I would like to preface that since the OD course is a relatively new course, it is still undergoing changes to its structure, so my information may be outdated.

Starting OD was daunting as I had little idea of what to expect. I had never done an eye test until I got the offer for the interview. I used this opportunity to ask the optometrist a few questions, and even so, I was unaware of the breadth of knowledge OD would cover. The interview was in-person, which included an ethics examination, preparing a speech, and the actual interview, which asked behavioural questions. However, I believe GAMSAT will soon be implemented to the application of the UWA OD course.

The 1st sem of OD1 was about gaining the essential knowledge of the anatomy and function of the eye and other systems, optics, research, and the “fundamentals of optometry” (business models, Medicare, communication, etc.). It was a major jump from undergrad with significantly increased workload, contact hours, and expectation of work quality. There is a variety of test types, ranging from quizzes, presentations, and literature reviews, which may be group work or individual. The 2nd sem introduces Problem Based Learning (PBLs), clinical skills, and their subsequent exams called OSPrEs (Objective Structured Practical Examination). PBLs are structured clinical cases where you work within a small group on a weekly basis. The OSPrEs are a very stressful time for everyone, as your clinical skills are assessed under a time limit. Furthermore, they are a hurdle requirement, meaning you must pass them to pass the unit. However, there are re-sits if you fail the first time. On top of learning these clinical skills, you start your research project, which goes on until the end of 2nd year. This project is mostly self-run, with your supervisor(s) guiding you through the process. But you are responsible for organising meetings, recruiting participants, collecting, and analysing data.

2nd year transitions to trimesters with 2 units, 1 theory (with research project overarching) and 1 clinical skills unit. For me, this was the biggest jump so far. There’s a new PBL case every week, several OSPrEs, and the research project looming overhead. Day placements are introduced where you visit hospitals and optometry practices to observe optometrists/ophthalmologists. The content itself gets more specific to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and can be difficult at times. A challenge I found was the introduction of OSCEs in the 2nd trimester of OD2. It is a hurdle requirement of 2 days of 5 stations assessing your clinical knowledge and skills. Although challenging, I value the practical skills developed in OD, which continue into the final trimester of OD2. During this trimester, you spend 2 non-consecutive weeks in the EHCWA clinic, where you see real patients and are assessed on your examinations and patient logs.

I’m about to begin my 3rd year, which has 1 trimester of class with OSCEs, 2 trimesters of 4 placements with online class, and the 3rd and final set of OSCEs at the end of the year. I’m excited to begin my final year, but there is still some stress due to finances.

Optometry is a very expensive course. The course itself, the required equipment, accommodation, and food during placements all add up. I would advise people looking to apply for this course to have money saved up to afford equipment and even to try pay off some of your undergrad fees. Financial hardship can inherently make a course more stressful, so I would highly recommend having healthy ways of dealing with stress (e.g. finding a hobby). Furthermore, due to high contact hours, work-life balance can teeter from sheer workload and fatigue.

Despite this, I still love and don’t regret OD. The content you learn is incredible, and you get the opportunity to help other’s lives, which I find rewarding. The culture amongst OD students is also fantastic. The student society (OSWA) runs social and education events, and I would highly recommend applying for a role. I’m currently the Treasurer, and it has been fantastic to help run these events; it can really give you an opportunity to grow your connections in the optometric world. Overall, if you’re a hard worker and passionate about healthcare, I would recommend this course.

Advice for Future Optometry Students

If you’re interested in this course, it can be a good idea to begin working at an optometry clinic (e.g. Specsavers). It is not essential, as I only started after I enrolled, but it helps you understand lenses and their optics, dispensing skills, as well as gaining an understanding of the Medicare system. Depending on the practice, they can also show you some interesting pathologies. It is also just a very fun part-time job. You’ll meet likeminded people and potentially other OD students to ask them about their own unique experiences!