Orthoptics

Why study Orthoptics?

There is a growing scope for practice and specialisation in the orthoptics profession. Our postgraduate courses include a graduate-entry Master of Orthoptics and diplomas in health research methodology, orthoptic studies, and orientation and mobility. Develop the skills and knowledge to enhance your practice and broaden your employment options.

Career opportunities

Our graduates are recognised internationally and there is a strong demand for orthoptists in Australia and overseas. You may expect to work in specialist eye clincs, 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 Master of Orthoptics Melbourne
2 years full-time Semester 1 (March)

Master of Orthoptics continued…

Course description
This course enables graduates with a first degree in another discipline to obtain a professional qualification in orthoptics. Orthoptists are eyecare 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.

For more information, please visit out Frequently Asked Questions.
Prerequisite
Applicants will preferably hold a Bachelor's degree in vision science, health sciences or biological sciences. 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, 2012 fee and subject to change) and/or orthoptics ($450, 2012 fee and subject to change).
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Places subject to competitive selection; full fee places are also available
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $23,600 per 120 credit points.
Additional costs
Students are strongly advised to purchase an ophthalmoscope or a retinoscope set at the start of their first year, and should allow approximately A$600. Students must purchase a uniform for clinical placements which includes an Orthoptic Department shirt (A$60), a name tag (A$12) and approved black pants or skirt. 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 their immunisation history before undertaking clinical or community placements. All costs are approximate and are subject to change.
Additional information
Students are required to obtain a National Police Check ($15.50) and Working With Children (WWC) check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. Please check the website for more information about the clinical component of this program. All costs are approximate and are subject to change.
How to apply
Apply through VTAC.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board and membership of the Orthoptic Association of Australia, International Orthoptic Association, and associate membership of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Australian orthoptic qualifications are recognised throughout the world; however, some countries require additional registration.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Orthoptics (Master)Melbourne
2013 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Melbourne (City)
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Semester 1 (March)

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology continued…

Course description
This course aims to give graduates without substantial previous research experience the necessary preparation for higher degree studies. It is expected that graduates will proceed to a higher degree by research, provided they meet minimum average grade requirements. However, the course also aims to facilitate professional advancement and progression to further postgraduate coursework studies after full or partial completion.
Prerequisite
Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline. In certain circumstances, consideration is given to relevant clinical or academic experience, and demonstrated potential to undertake research.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $25,880 per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth Supported Places also available.
How to apply
Apply by 4 January 2013. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form . Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Melbourne
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Bendigo
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Albury-Wodonga

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

  • Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
  • CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Orthoptics international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Master of Orthoptics (062808B) Melbourne
2 years Semester 1 (March) $28 360

Master of Orthoptics continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course enables graduates with a first degree in another discipline to obtain a professional qualification in orthoptics. Orthoptists are eyecare 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.

For more information, please visit out Frequently Asked Questions.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0;

TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English;

TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 94 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27;

Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B (EFS PG2A 75 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website;

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 72 with no communicative skill score less than 68.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of A or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of B or higher.

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants preferably have a recognised qualification in optometry, ophthalmic nursing or a health science degree. Additional bridging courses and self-directed study may be required where it is deemed the first degree has not provided a foundation in human anatomy, physiology, neurosciences and/or ophthalmic sciences.
An applicant with a Bachelors degree awarded more than five years before their application may 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.
Special requirements
Students are required to obtain a National Police Check ($15.50) and Working With Children (WWC) check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. Please check the website for more information about the clinical component of this program. All costs are approximate and are subject to change.
Additional costs
Students are strongly advised to purchase an ophthalmoscope or a retinoscope set at the start of their first year, and should allow approximately A$600. Students must purchase a uniform for clinical placements which includes an Orthoptic Department shirt (A$60), a name tag (A$12) and approved black pants or skirt. 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 their immunisation history before undertaking clinical or community placements. All costs are approximate and are subject to change.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board and for membership of Orthoptics Australia, the International Orthoptic Association as well as the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. This qualification is recognised throughout the world, although some countries require additional registration requirements to practise as an orthoptist.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Orthoptics (Master)Melbourne
2013 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology (072025F/072024G/072008G/072007G/072026E/072005K) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
1 year Semester 1 (March) $26 300

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course aims to give graduates without substantial previous research experience the necessary preparation for higher degree studies. It is expected that graduates will proceed to a higher degree by research, provided they meet minimum average grade requirements. However, the course also aims to facilitate professional advancement and progression to further postgraduate coursework studies after full or partial completion.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
A relevant Australian Bachelor's degree or approved international equivalent in health sciences or related area. Entry requirements also vary based on the chosen major - please contact the faculty for more information.
Special requirements
Students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15.50) and a Working with Children (WWC) Check (no cost) before undertaking professional placement. This course has a clinical component.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Melbourne
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Bendigo
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Albury-Wodonga

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 have developed strong networks with clinical placement providers in regional Victoria and interstate. You are encouraged to travel beyond metropolitan Melbourne to broaden your clinical experience and improve your employment prospects. Students have done placements in Albury, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Warrnambool, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Canberra, Hobart, Perth, Rockhampton and Townsville.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

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.

Find out about the experiences of one of our students.

Rosanne Cahill

The La Trobe orthoptics course is considered one of the most comprehensive on offer in the world.

Ms Rosanne Cahill, Health Sciences

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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