"It’s been surprising to see how much eye health can reveal about someone’s overall wellbeing. The amount of detail we need to learn, especially in anatomy and disease management, has been challenging but also very rewarding."
Meet Nethmi
Nethmi started her Doctor of Optometry in 2024. Prior to this, she completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash University. She was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Melbourne, Australia at a very young age.
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I have always been interested in science and healthcare. I wanted a career where I could help people and make a difference while achieving work-life balance. I decided to study optometry, and the University of Melbourne was my top choice. It’s one of the best universities in Australia, and its strong reputation in health sciences really attracted me.
The University of Melbourne Doctor of Optometry (OD) stood out to me because of its mix of theory and hands-on experience. I liked that students get to work with real patients early on and train in different clinical settings – I have been in the practical lab since day one! I also appreciated that the course is taught by experts in the field and is closely connected to research in vision and eye health.
I also grew up in Melbourne and love living here. It’s a bustling city full of diversity with amazing coffee!
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What I like most about the Doctor of Optometry (OD) is how well it connects theory with real-life practice and balances theoretical and practical learning. We gain a strong foundation through lectures and labs, and we also spend a lot of time in clinic, learning directly from experienced optometrists. From early in the OD, we’ve been able to apply what we learn in class to real clinical situations. This hands-on approach has made the learning feel meaningful and has helped build my confidence working with patients.
Additionally, one of the most interesting parts of the course has been learning how complex the visual system really is. It’s been surprising to see how much eye health can reveal about someone’s overall wellbeing. The amount of detail we need to learn, especially in anatomy and disease management, has been challenging but also very rewarding.
Finally, my cohort and the quality of teaching and support from the department have been also highlights of my studies at UniMelb.
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To become an optometrist and maybe return to do a PhD.
The Doctor of Optometry is a professional entry-to-practice masters program which also offers research opportunities to help students see if that path is right for us.
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The University of Melbourne has a really welcoming and diverse community. There are lots of services to help you settle in, make friends, and succeed academically. Melbourne is also a great city to live in – it’s safe, vibrant, and full of culture, so take the time to explore and enjoy it if you’re new to the city.
If you’re hesitant about studying health because you didn’t come from a heavy science background, don’t let that stop you. Many students come from different backgrounds, and the course is designed to help you build the foundation you need.