Study cataract and refractive surgery at the University of Sydney
About us
The University is ranked first in Australia and 33rd in the world for surgery in the U.S. News Top Global Universities Subject Rankings 2020. The discipline is also the largest academic surgical department in Australasia.
Find out moreThe University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
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This course is available to be studied in several different study modes, including online or face-to-face. Check study modes offered in the 'course details’ section below.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has also reviewed the availability of the face-to-face version of this course, and this will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
About this course
The cataract and refractive surgery program equips students with knowledge of cataract and refractive surgery theory and practice. The online component of the course includes lectures from internationally recognised corneal and refractive surgeons and interactive online discussions with the course coordinators. Students are also given the opportunity to attend a week of workshops and wet labs at the Sydney Eye Hospital as well as undertaking placements in accredited refractive surgical centres.
Refractive surgery is an ever-expanding area within the field of ophthalmology, encompassing both laser and non-laser vision correction. This has traditionally been performed by surgeons in large private clinics, but in recent years has become accepted as part of mainstream ophthalmic care. Laser eye surgery is now the most frequently performed eye operation in Australia.
This course is for medical graduates who are either:
It is suitable for those who wish to gain skills and experience to provide superior care to their patients, and advance their career.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSP places are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
There are no specialisations for 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.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 31 January 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 (February)
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.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 15 January 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 (February)
Students of the Master of Medicine (Cataract and Refractive Surgery) complete a total of 48 credit points (CP) to be awarded the degree. The course comprises 36CP of core units of study plus a research dissertation (12CP).
Core units include studies in:
In the unit of study, Practical Refractive Surgery, you will undertake a two-week full-time clinical placement held at an accredited private refractive surgery centre.
Explore the Medicine and Health Postgraduate Handbook to learn more about what you will study as part of this degree:
A successful applicant for admission to the Masters of Medicine (Cataract and Refractive Surgery) will:
(a) hold a medical degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; and
(b) hold appropriate medical indemnity; and
(c) have completed the requirements of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, and be eligible to undertake a subspecialty fellowship in the final year of accredited training; or
(d) be registered to practice ophthalmology in their state, territory or country.
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.
For further information please email Associate Professor Annette Katelaris
| annette.katelaris@sydney.edu.au |
