Otago’s postgraduate Ophthalmology programmes support you to explore eye disease, vision science, and clinical practice with depth and purpose.
Why study postgraduate Ophthalmology
Postgraduate Ophthalmology lets you move beyond foundational knowledge and engage deeply with the science and practice of eye health.
At this level, you explore how vision works, how eye disease develops, and how research and clinical insight come together to improve outcomes for patients and communities. Ophthalmology sits at the intersection of medicine, surgery, neuroscience, and technology, making it a dynamic and intellectually rewarding field.
Through postgraduate study, you strengthen your ability to evaluate evidence, ask meaningful research questions, and understand complex clinical challenges. You also gain perspective on the social and public health dimensions of vision loss, including ageing populations and preventable eye disease.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate Ophthalmology opens pathways across clinical, research, and specialist health settings.
Graduates may work in roles such as:
- Ophthalmologist or ophthalmology registrar, following appropriate professional training pathways
- Vision or eye health researcher
- Academic or clinical educator in eye health disciplines
- Specialist roles in eye health services or policy
What it’s like to study at this level
Postgraduate study in Ophthalmology combines flexible distance learning with advanced academic and clinical insight. You learn through web-based teaching, interactive online tutorials, and guided independent study, allowing you to engage from wherever you are. Teaching is delivered remotely, in conjunction with the University of Sydney.
The Postgraduate Diploma is designed for graduates with at least two years of experience who are beginning a career in ophthalmology, or who are already in recognised training and want to strengthen their understanding of the ophthalmic basic sciences. The master's programme is for medical graduates who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma and wish to deepen their expertise through a supervised research project.
Throughout your study, you are encouraged to think critically, engage with current research, and connect theory with clinical understanding, supported by experienced academic staff and an engaged cohort of peers.
This is for you if ...
Postgraduate Ophthalmology is suited to medical graduates who want to deepen their understanding of eye health and vision science at an advanced level. You may be preparing for specialist training in ophthalmology, already working within a recognised training programme, or seeking to strengthen your scientific and research foundations in the field.
If you are motivated by careful inquiry, value evidence-informed practice, and want to contribute thoughtfully to the future of eye care, this programme is designed to support your next step.
Focused on the future of vision
Otago offers a strong academic environment for advanced study in Ophthalmology, grounded in research and clinical connection.
You study within a university known for health sciences excellence, where teaching and research are closely linked to real-world eye health challenges. Otago’s staff are actively engaged in ophthalmology and vision research, bringing current thinking into your learning experience.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Basic Sciences (PGDipOphthBS)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) programme, taught in conjunction with the University of Sydney
Master of Ophthalmology (MOphth)
A one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) research degree for medical graduates who have completed the PGDipOphthBS and wish to extend their knowledge
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
OPHT papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPHT801 | 2026, 2027 | Ophthalmic Anatomy | 30 points | 1st Non standard period (23 February 2026 - 31 May 2026), 2nd Non standard period (3 August 2026 - 8 November 2026), 1st Non standard period (22 February 2027 - 28 May 2027), 2nd Non standard period (2 August 2027 - 5 November 2027) |
| OPHT802 | 2026, 2027 | Ophthalmic Physiology | 30 points | 1st Non standard period (23 February 2026 - 31 May 2026), 2nd Non standard period (3 August 2026 - 8 November 2026), 1st Non standard period (22 February 2027 - 28 May 2027), 2nd Non standard period (2 August 2027 - 5 November 2027) |
| OPHT803 | 2026, 2027 | Ophthalmic Optics | 30 points | 1st Non standard period (23 February 2026 - 31 May 2026), 2nd Non standard period (3 August 2026 - 8 November 2026), 1st Non standard period (22 February 2027 - 28 May 2027), 2nd Non standard period (2 August 2027 - 5 November 2027) |
| OPHT804 | 2026, 2027 | Practical Ophthalmic Basic Sciences | 30 points | Short Courses (inc. Field Trips) (31 August 2026 - 11 September 2026), Short Courses (inc. Field Trips) (1 June 2027 - 31 July 2027) |
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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