University of Melbourne

What you'll study

The PhD in Optometry is a research-focused degree centred on a sustained original project in areas such as ocular disease, visual neuroscience, myopia control, contact lens science, binocular vision, low vision rehabilitation, clinical trials and population eye health. Coursework components are minimal and typically restricted to discipline-specific research training units, ethics and methodology workshops, and professional development modules in academic writing, statistics and research translation.

Your candidature will include the development of a research proposal, regular supervision meetings, participation in departmental seminars and conferences, and formal candidature milestones such as a literature review, progress reports and a thesis examination. Depending on the project, you may undertake clinical data collection through partner hospitals and clinics, laboratory experiments, imaging and/or population-based studies.

• Designing and conducting an original research project under academic supervision
• Advanced research methods in vision science and clinical research
• Statistical analysis and interpretation of clinical and experimental data
• Scientific communication: publishing, presenting and translating findings
• Ethics, regulatory requirements and good clinical/laboratory practice

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong undergraduate degree with honours or a master’s by research in optometry, vision science, biomedical science or a closely related discipline. Candidates with substantial professional experience and demonstrated research potential may also be considered. Key application elements include a clear research proposal or expression of interest, academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, referee reports and evidence of prior research training or outputs where available.

Prospective candidates should identify potential supervisors within the University of Melbourne’s optometry and vision research community before applying. Conditional offers commonly require meeting the University’s English language requirements for postgraduate research candidates. Scholarship support and external funding may be available but is subject to separate application and eligibility criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Optometry pursue a range of careers where advanced research skills and specialist knowledge are required. Typical pathways include:

• Academic positions in universities and research institutes (teaching and research)
• Senior clinical roles in hospitals, specialist eye clinics and multidisciplinary teams
• Clinical research and trial coordination in ophthalmology and optometry
• Industry roles in optical devices, pharmaceutical development, diagnostics and contact lens companies
• Public health, policy, regulation and consultancy roles focused on eye health services

Graduates are well placed to lead translational projects that bridge bench research and clinical care, to develop novel clinical interventions or devices, and to contribute to evidence-based eye health policy and education.

Why study at University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne offers a strong environment for vision research within a major research-intensive university and an active School of Health Sciences. Students benefit from close links with clinical partners, including specialist eye hospitals and community clinics, enabling clinically relevant and translational research.

The university’s research culture provides access to multidisciplinary expertise across neuroscience, biomedical engineering, public health and clinical sciences, as well as advanced imaging, contact lens and visual function facilities. Prospective candidates gain supervision from internationally active researchers and opportunities to present work at national and international conferences, collaborate with industry partners and contribute to impactful changes in eye care and vision science.