Clinical Supervisors and Mentors

The University of Melbourne Eyecare Clinic is responsible for the clinical education of Bachelor of Optometry and Doctor of Optometry students. Students learn to perform consultations with patients under the direct supervision of Clinical Mentors/Supervisors/Tutors who are qualified Optometrists, interested in educating our future generation of Optometrists. Due to expansion in the clinical teaching program our UmE Clinic is expanding to provide a diverse and advanced clinical environment for student learning that will be overseen by Clinical Mentors/Supervisors/Tutors. A limited number of opportunities exist for qualified Optometrists to become Clinical Mentors and Supervisors.

The University of Melbourne, Department of Optometry and Vision Science are looking for Clinical Supervisors and Mentors who:

  • Possess a genuine interest in - and capacity for - teaching our future optometrists.
  • Have a high-level of communication skills.
  • Have a capacity to relate with, and be a role model for, future optometrists.
  • Possess knowledge of educational principles and methods of performance feedback, or are interested in learning to do so.
  • Have a proven record in continuing optometric education and/or higher degree qualifications.
  • A therapeutic endorsement is desirable but not essential.
  • Are clinically thorough and have at least 3 years of clinical experience.

UME runs clinics in Primary Care optometry, contact lenses, children's vision/vision therapy, ocular pathology, specialty ophthalmology and a specialist Keratoconus Cornea Clinic.

Clinical Supervisors

UME employs Clinical Supervisors on a casual basis to supervise, teach, and assess students seeing patients in our clinic. A limited number of opportunities exist for qualified Optometrists to become Clinical Supervisors. Clinical Supervisors are required to attend at least one clinic (approximately 4 hours/week) on a weekly basis in each semester of the academic year (1: March-June, 2: July-October).

Visiting Clinical Mentors

In 2012 we trialled a new program where experienced optometrists from private practice were invited to volunteer their time to supervise students seeing patients at UME. Visiting Clinical Mentors are asked to commit to a half-day per week (either morning or afternoon session) spread across the two teaching semesters (1: March-June, 2: July-October). These visiting supervisors will complement the existing Clinical Teaching Instructors and Clinical Tutors to improve the ratio of clinicians to students. It is envisaged that this program will provide an ideal opportunity for those clinicians who are interested in contributing to the education of our future optometrists, but who are unable to commit to supervision on a weekly basis. It is also anticipated that the mentors will be exposed to clinical teaching programs such as a grand rounds and the specialty ophthalmology sessions, as well as part-taking in a vibrant Clinical based CPE program.

As a visiting clinical mentor you will:

  • supervise and provide feedback for 4th and 5th year optometry students seeing patients in UME,
  • provide specialist tutorials on equipment use/interpretation for 4th Year students,
  • act as a standby supervising Clinician if required,
  • have the opportunity to attend and take part in clinical tutorials facilitated by University of Melbourne Staff,
  • earn CPE points as you learn and teach our new generation of optometrists, and
  • have an honorary appointment with the department.

How do I apply/express my interest in these roles?

Please indicate in your expression of interest:

  1. Which position(s) you are interested in applying for.
  2. Which clinics you would be most interested in supervising for.
  3. Which days of the week you are most likely to be available.
  4. Whether you would prefer to receive an application form by post, fax, or email.

We are welcoming expressions of interest by email (hod-optom@unimelb.edu.au) or post (see address below).

Head of Department
Optometry and Vision Science
The University of Melbourne VIC 3010

For further information, please contact by phone on 03 8344 7001 or email hod-optom@unimelb.edu.au