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Optometrist

ANZSCO: 251411 | MLTSSL Migration Pathway

$95k – $140k Avg Salary (AUD)
Strong Future Demand
MLTSSL SOL Status
OCANZ Assessing Body

PR Pathway Overview

Study
→
Graduate
→
485 Visa
→
Work
→
Skills Assess
→
EOI
→
Invitation
→
Visa Grant
Most applicants aim for 80+ points. Regional Advantage: Studying or working in regional Australia provides a significant advantage and grants an additional +5 points to your total. The estimated total timeline from course commencement to permanent residency grant is typically 4 to 6 years...

Occupation Overview

Required Qualification: Bachelor of Vision Science + Master of Optometry (typical 5-year combined program).

Registration: Mandatory registration with the Optometry Board of Australia (AHPRA).

Strategic Demand: ★★★★★ (Driven by an ageing population, global myopia epidemic, and acute rural shortages).

Course Cost: AUD $38,000 – $55,000 per year (Indicative).

Job Security: Very High – therapeutic endorsement is expanding the clinical scope of the profession.

Entry Req.: Completion of Year 12 with prerequisite studies in advanced mathematics, chemistry, or physics; minimum English language proficiency score of IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no individual band below 7.0 (or equivalent approved testing system).

Intakes: February.

Optometrist conducting retinal examination

Job Description & Industry Scope

Core Role: Examines eyes and visual systems for defects and diseases. Optometrists prescribe corrective lenses, manage ocular health, and refer patients for specialist treatment when complex pathologies are detected.

Business Opportunities: High potential for private practice ownership, optical franchise operations (e.g., Specsavers, OPSM), and corporate clinical roles.

Your Australian PR occupation guide

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Simple 4 Step Process

1

Enrol to a Course

Firstly, you must enrol in the right course/courses – one that trains you for a position on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

FIND A COURSE
2

Apply for 485 visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa called 485 Graduate Visa.

3

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Optometrists undertake a professional qualifications and skills evaluation program managed directly by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).

4

Apply for 189, 190, 491 visas

Finally... you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas: The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) Visas.

Visa & PR Pathways

Skilled Independent

Subclass 189
  • Direct Permanent Residency
  • Points-based selection
  • Healthcare priority processing

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190
  • Permanent Residency
  • State/Territory nominated
  • Full access for MLTSSL roles

Regional Skilled

Subclass 491
  • 5-year provisional visa
  • +15 Points for Regional
  • Pathway to 191 Permanent Residency

Employer Sponsored

Subclass 482
  • Temporary Skill Shortage
  • Medium-term stream
  • High sponsorship by corporate groups

Regional Employer

Subclass 494
  • Regional Employer Sponsored
  • Priority Processing
  • Direct PR pathway available

MLTSSL Status grants full access to all priority skilled visa streams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the course entry requirements for an Optometry degree pathway?

To enter an undergraduate professional program, you require successful secondary high school / Year 12 completion with outstanding marks in advanced sciences and mathematics. For international applicants, an English level equivalent to IELTS Academic 7.0 across all bands is mandatory to satisfy therapeutic registration baselines.

What are the main intake opportunities during the academic year?

The primary intake for professional accredited Optometry course streams across major Australian universities is scheduled specifically in February.

What is the standard course duration to completely qualify as an Optometrist?

Fulfilling the fully accredited professional pathway typically demands 5 years of full-time study, structurally broken down into a 3-year Bachelor of Vision Science linked directly with a 2-year Master of Optometry.

Does studying inside regional Australian areas grant migration points?

Yes. Successfully executing your tertiary program at an institutional campus located in an eligible regional area provides a notable migration advantage, adding +5 points directly to your overall points test summary scorecard.

Is the Optometrist occupational profile currently in high demand?

Yes, qualified Optometrists witness exceptional, sustained long-term demand across Australia. This is extensively driven by an ageing population distribution, the global tracking of childhood myopia trends, and acute healthcare placement vacancies outside metropolitan cities.

Do I need a mandatory license or registration to practice in Australia?

Yes, professional clinical registration with the Optometry Board of Australia through AHPRA is legally required to work. For skilled migration visa tracking, you must secure a positive credentials assessment from the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).

What is the average salary expectation for an Optometrist in Australia?

The average market salary for an Optometrist spans beautifully from $95,000 up to $140,000 AUD per year. Senior clinicians, private practice clinic directors, and professionals taking regional corporate contracts can scale significantly past this scale baseline.

What permanent skilled migration visa pathways are open to qualified Optometrists?

Because the role resides on the MLTSSL list, professionals hold full access to premier General Skilled Migration pathways, including the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190), and Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) visas.

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