Orthoptics

Why study Orthoptics?

Orthoptists are allied health practitioners who specialise in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of eye disease. Our orthoptics degree will enable you to begin a rewarding career in a specialist eye care setting. Develop the knowledge and skills to advance treatment for children and adults with vision problems.

Career opportunities

There is a strong demand for orthoptists in Australia and overseas and our graduates are recognised internationally. You may expect to work in specialist eye clinics, public hospitals with ophthalmic surgeons, rehabilitation centres, low vision agencies, and eye and vision research centres.

Courses

Local students

Orthoptics courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics Melbourne
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent Semester 1 (March)

Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics continued…

Course description
Orthoptists are eyecare professionals who detect, diagnose and treat vision and eye disorders. They usually work in specialist eye clinics and public hospitals, helping ophthalmic surgeons 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. This course aims to give students all the skills and knowledge needed for registration as an orthoptist, with a mix of general health sciences subjects, comprehensive theoretical studies of the eye, and extensive clinical experience with a wide range of patients.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in English (any) and at least 25 in two of Biology, Chemistry, a Mathematics (any), Physical Education or Physics.
Extra requirements
Current Year 12 applicants with work experience must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form. Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Selection
ATAR 75.45 (2012) Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Middle band
Re-ranking is based on relevant employment or work experience and criteria associated with the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS).
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee amount
CSP contribution band 2 Indicative (2010): $7,567 (per 120 credit points).
Additional costs
Students are strongly advised to purchase an ophthalmoscope or a retinoscope set at the start of third year, and should allow approximately A$600. Other equipment will also be necessary, at a cost of about A$150. Books and equipment may be purchased from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Travel and accommodation costs for clinical placement may also be incurred and will vary according to the venue. All students must obtain a National Police Check at a cost of approximately A$15.50, Working With Children (WWC) Check at no cost, and provide proof of immunisation before undertaking clinical or community placements. Costs may vary depending on previous immunisations approximately A$250-$470. All costs are approximate and subject to change.
Additional information
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the Health Sciences website.
How to apply
VTAC
Professional recognition
The course is recognised by the Australian Orthoptic Board and graduates are able to gain membership with Orthoptics Australia and work throughout Australia and overseas.
Full course details
Health Sciences/OrthopticsMelbourne

Want to know more?

Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.

There are also a wide range of scholarships available for local students. 

International students

Orthoptics international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2012 Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics (062598G/ 062808B) Melbourne
4 Semester 1 (February) $21 400

Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics continued…

Year
2012
Course description
This course aims to train students to become orthoptists - eyecare professionals specialising 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. Download our Frequently Asked Questions document for more details.
English Language Requirements
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTU Foundation Studies - 80 Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 78.60 International Baccalaureate - 29 GCE A Levels - 12 Hong Kong A Levels - 8 HKDSE - 12,6 (the student must meet the higher than the standard English language requirement) Sri Lankan A Levels - ABB STPM - 10 MICSS (UEC) - Ex Year 12 FSP Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 80 Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.7 Sweden Slutbetyg - VG All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 80 Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.2 Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 3.2 GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.0 GAOKAO - see: the website If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Special requirements
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the: Health Sciences website for important information. All students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15) and Working with Children check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. Note the quoted costs are approximate only and subject to change.
Subject prerequisite
Two of Biology, Chemistry, Physical Education, Year 12 Mathematics or Physics.
Additional costs
Students are strongly advised to purchase an ophthalmoscope or a retinoscope set at the start of third year, and should allow approximately A$600. Other equipment will also be necessary, at a cost of about A$150. Books and equipment may be purchased from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Travel and accommodation costs for clinical placement may also be incurred and will vary according to the venue. All students must obtain a National Police Check at a cost of approximately A$15.50, Working With Children (WWC) Check at no cost, and provide proof of immunisation before undertaking clinical or community placements. All costs are approximate.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board, membership of Orthoptics Australia, and the International Orthoptic Association. Australian orthoptic qualifications are recognised throughout the world. However, some countries require additional registration requirements to enable an orthoptist to practice.
Course details
Health Sciences/OrthopticsMelbourne

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Orthoptics placements

Clinical education and professional practice is done in the last 18 months of your course largely within the Orthoptics Clinical School Network. The Orthoptics Clinical School Network consists of health services operating ophthalmology and orthoptic clinical programs. These 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. Placements within the network help you to put your theoretical learning into clinical practice and develop the skills to work as an independent practitioner.

We also have strong networks with clinical placement providers in regional Victoria, interstate and overseas. Students have done placements in Albury, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Warrnambool, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Canberra, Hobart, Perth, Rockhampton and Townsville.

Alternative pathways

Master of Orthoptics (graduate entry)

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

We do not have partner institutions for study exchange, but we have developed strong networks with clinical placement providers overseas. You are encouraged to travel to broaden your clinical experience and improve your employment prospects. Students have done placements in Canada, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, UK and USA.

Student profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences or focus on staff in Orthoptics.

Orthoptics events

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