I have a few questions about this degree
would not doing hsc physics make it harder for you to pass?
Is it a popular degree?
are there actual jobs you can gain from these?
1) No, HSC Physics is not compulsory and you aren't really disadvantaged if you didn't do it (unless you take higher physics). I did fine without HSC Physics.
2) In 1st year we had ~150 people in Optometry + Vision Science (same subjects until 4th year) and about 60-70 are optom. So ~80 vision science students.
3) There's mostly research and clinical positions are an option too. Optometry is not too difficult to transfer into either (need solid performance in 1st year + decent UMAT)