Industry News
UNSW Launches Australia's First Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney introduces its Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment in Term 1, 2025. This innovative program, the first of its kind in Australia, addresses the growing demand for specialists to support the millions of Australians affected by low vision or blindness.
According to Vision 2020, half of Australia’s population will require eye care services by 2050. The Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment is designed to prepare professionals to meet this challenge by offering in-depth training on the causes, implications, and management of vision impairment. The program emphasizes client-focused, ethical, and culturally aware services, enabling graduates to make a significant impact on individuals' quality of life.
“This unique program allows students from diverse backgrounds to upskill and enhance their expertise in vision impairment and rehabilitation,” says Associate Professor Juno Kim, Program Lead at UNSW's School of Optometry & Vision Science.
The program is open to individuals from various educational and professional backgrounds, making it accessible to a broad audience. Highlights include:
- Flexible Online Delivery: Complete the certificate in one year, entirely online, with some in-person sessions.
- Multidisciplinary Curriculum: Elective courses in Public Health, Biomedical Engineering, assistive technologies, and more.
- Practical Collaboration: Developed with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, ensuring real-world applicability.
Graduates will gain expertise in vision rehabilitation and develop skills in evaluating and applying evidence-based solutions. This qualification opens doors to careers in healthcare, public policy, and social services dedicated to improving lives for the visually impaired.
The program offers Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), with indicative first-year fees of $4,500. Students benefit from learning in UNSW’s world-renowned School of Optometry & Vision Science, ranked 2nd globally for optometry and recognised for groundbreaking research in ocular disease and sensory processes.
For more details, visit UNSW Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment.
