The changes in motivation cause an impact on students’ behavior related to academic success. The online survey found that a significant variation of academic motivation occurred in four different phases of Optometry studies. The 3rd year preclinical students displayed a lack of motivation compared to other student groups. This indicated changes in learning adaptation for different syllabus and approaches in educational stages. The academic performance correspondent with the students’ motivation as higher motivation gave better academic performance. Thus, understanding students' academic motivation permits educators to improve the educational approaches in teaching and learning to enhance student performance.