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Twenty-one of the 22 University of Melbourne Doctor of Optometry students pictured at their graduation, with faculty staff Photo: GFP Studios
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By Helen Carter
The first Doctor of Optometry students from the University of Melbourne have graduated and all have secured jobs as optometrists.
They graduated at a Science Faculty graduation ceremony at the Royal Exhibition Buildings, Carlton, on 17 December.
Before undertaking the four-year Doctor of Optometry course, the students had completed an undergraduate degree.
All have optometry jobs and will be working in a diversity of practice styles and locations—some in cities or rural locations, and some will be moving interstate.
A reception at the Sydney Myer Asia Centre followed the graduation ceremony, for Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences teaching staff, students and parents.
Head of department Associate Professor Allison McKendrick and clinic director of University of Melbourne EyeCare, Associate Professor Daryl Guest, spoke at the reception about the significance of the cohort being the university’s first OD students to graduate.
They also acknowledged the support of the families in their children’s education. Many relatives travelled from overseas, including as far as Japan and India, for the graduation ceremony.