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Master of Orthoptics
La Trobe University
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Postgraduate
CRICOS: 00115M
This program enables graduates with a first degree in another discipline to obtain a professional qualification in orthoptics. Orthoptists are eye care professionals who specialise in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vision and eye disorders. Orthoptists are generally employed in specialist eye clinics and public hospitals, working with ophthalmic surgeons to monitor eye disease and provide treatment, including prescribing glasses for children and adults. They also provide vision rehabilitation services in low-vision agencies, and are increasingly employed in vision research.
Structure
The curriculum is centred on enquiry-based learning. Theory and knowledge of eye disease is integrated with orthoptic skills for the competent investigation, diagnosis and management of patients. Students attend clinical placements within the Eye and Ear Hospital clinical school network and other clinical settings where they learn to further develop and refine their clinical skills and patient management strategies. These clinical settings include private ophthalmology clinics in metropolitan Melbourne as well as the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, the Royal Children's Hospital, Northern Health, Alfred Hospital, Austin Health and Monash Medical Centre. Clinical education leading to entry-level competency is the focus of the final 18 months of the course, with opportunity for rural, interstate or international clinical placements.
Subjects
- Orthoptics
Standard entry requirements
- Applicants will preferably hold a Bachelor's degree in vision science, health sciences or biological sciences completed within the last five years with a minimum grade average of 70 per cent
- Graduates without an initial degree deemed to have provided a foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and/or vision sciences, will be required to undertake a bridging program
- An applicant with a Bachelor's degree awarded more than five years ago will not be considered unless the applicant has subsequently completed a postgraduate course or provided evidence of other continuing academic activity
- At the discretion of the Head of Department and the Selection Committee, relevant work experience may be considered as evidence of academic activity
- Students without a degree in vision science, health sciences or biological sciences will be required to complete the bridging course in physiology and anatomy ($300, 2013 fee and subject to change) and/or orthoptics ($450, 2013 fee and subject to change)
- NB: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Recognition
The Master of Orthoptics is accredited by the Australian Orthoptic Board (AOB). Graduates of the Master of Orthoptics may be eligible to apply for registration with the AOB. Professional registration may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details. Graduates of the Master of Orthoptics may apply for membership with Orthoptics Australia, International Orthoptic Association, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Study pathways
Graduates without an initial degree deemed to have provided a foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and/or vision sciences, will be required to undertake a bridging program.
Further information
Students are required to obtain a National Police Check and Working With Children (WWC) check before undertaking a clinical professional placement.
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