Discover opthalmic science at the University of Sydney
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In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
Some units of study and/or placements relating to this course cannot be delivered remotely or online for students commencing their study in Semester 1, 2021. You will be required to attend in-person on campus from Intensive July session, 2021.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
The Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science develops core knowledge and understanding of basic ophthalmic science, which focuses on preventing blindness, promoting eye health, and rehabilitating those with a visual disability. You will develop knowledge of ophthalmic science alongside practical diagnostic and prognostic, management and surgical skills.
Why study with us?
How will you learn?
Who should study this course?
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
The majority of the Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science is in the form of distance learning. The course consists of 36 credit points (CP), which requires the completion of four core units of study.
Three of the core units of study (ophthalmic anatomy, ophthalmic physiology and ophthalmic optics) require one semester of study each to complete and are taught online.
Assignments are set every three weeks and a final exam is taken at the end of the unit of study.
The unit of study, Practical Ophthalmic Science is a two week block/intensive mode to be taken at the Save Sight Institute in Sydney or at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Download our sample course diagram to learn more about what you will study as part of this degree.
A successful applicant for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science will hold one of the following:
In exceptional circumstances, the dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the school, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Sydney Medical School offers a wide range of short professional development courses for health professionals through its clinical schools, disciplines and associated research institutes.
Many of the courses offered are pre-accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME) points, and other courses may be awarded CME points on request to your relevant association or professional body.
The course aims to assist primarily medical graduates applying for a position in a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists RANZCO recognised training program. It also aims to assist all graduates who are interested in careers in the visual and neurosciences to have a good grounding in the ophthalmic and visual sciences.
Students of this course will gain practical skills including the ability to understand the practical applications of ophthalmic equipment, familiarity with anatomical specimens, prosections, radiographs and electronmicrographs and the ability to apply psychometric testing to obtain reliable and repeatable data. Graduates will be able to apply these practical skills to their careers in the visual sciences and improve the eye health of our community.
