Welcoming our new Doctor of Optometry cohort
The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences was delighted to welcome its new Doctor of Optometry (OD) cohort on Friday, 27 February, as students gathered for their first day and the beginning of their journey in the program.
The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences was delighted to welcome its new Doctor of Optometry (OD) cohort on Friday, 27 February, as students gathered for their first day and the beginning of their journey in the program.
The morning began with an orientation session where students were introduced to the structure of the program and what they could expect in their first year. This year also marks the introduction of a new first-year course structure, with OD students completing four subjects in Semester 1.
Two of these subjects - Perception, Illusion and Art, led by A/Prof Andrew Anderson, and Ocular Anatomy and Physiology, led by Dr Livia Carvalho, will be co-taught with undergraduate students. This new initiative creates opportunities for optometry students to learn alongside peers from other programs, bringing different perspectives into the classroom from the very start of their studies.
Following the orientation, the cohort joined the Welcome to Health Sciences event, which brought together students from across the Melbourne School of Health Sciences. The lively afternoon gave students a chance to step outside the classroom, connect with peers from other health disciplines and experience the vibrant community they are now part of.
With a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, interactive stalls, live music and a special appearance from Barry the Bear, the University of Melbourne mascot, the event offered plenty of opportunities for students to explore, mingle and celebrate the start of the academic year together.
The Department’s booth was supported by the University of Melbourne Optometry Students Society (UMOSS) and the Doctor of Optometry Student Conference (ODSC). Their student representatives helped introduce the new cohort to the optometry community, sharing insights into student life and offering a friendly welcome to those just beginning the program.
In the afternoon, the cohort took part in a Collaborative Practice Centre workshop alongside nursing students. The session introduced the principles of collaborative healthcare and encouraged students to reflect on their motivations for pursuing a career in the health professions.
From meeting new classmates to connecting with students across the wider Health Sciences community, the day marked an exciting start for the cohort. We look forward to seeing them grow over the next four years, developing their knowledge, building lasting friendships, and taking their first steps towards becoming the next generation of eye care professionals.
