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
2012 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. They generally work in specialist eye clinics and public hospitals - usually alongside ophthalmic surgeons - monitoring eye disease and providing treatment, including prescribing glasses. They also provide rehabilitation services in low-vision agencies and may work in orthoptic private practice. Increasingly, orthoptists are also employed in eye and vision research centres. Download our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 88KB) document for more details.
Prerequisite
Bachelor's degree in vision science, health sciences or biological sciences. Graduates without a degree deemed to provide a foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and/or vision sciences, must complete a Bridging Course in physiology and anatomy ($300: 2011 fee subject to change) and/or orthoptics ($450: 2011 fee and subject to change).. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree awarded more than five years ago are not considered unless they've subsequently completed postgraduate studies 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, 2011 fee and subject to change) and/or orthoptics ($450, 2011 fee and subject to change).
Fee type
Both Commonwealth Supported & full fee places available
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $22,480 per 120 credit points.
Additional costs
Students should allow approximately A$1000 for a 90D lens and retinoscope/ophthalmoscope set, A$100 for student notes, manuals, and other items. Books and equipment may be purchased from any supplier and remain students' personal property. Travel and accommodation costs for clinical placement may also be incurred; these vary according to venue.
Additional information
Police checks and Working with Children (WWC) check are required for professional experience placements in clinical and community settings.
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
Orthoptics (Master)Melbourne
2012 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
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
Both Commonwealth Supported & full fee places available
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $24,190 per 120 credit points. Commonwealth Supported Places also available.
How to apply
Apply by 15 October 2011. Late applications accepted until the end of January 2012 (full-fee places only). Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form.
Full course details
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

Orthoptics international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2012 Master of Orthoptics (062808B) Melbourne
2 years Semester 1 (February) $26 480

Master of Orthoptics continued…

Year
2012
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. They generally work in specialist eye clinics and public hospitals - usually alongside ophthalmic surgeons - monitoring eye disease and providing treatment, including prescribing glasses. They also provide rehabilitation services in low-vision agencies and may work in orthoptic private practice. Increasingly, orthoptists are also employed in eye and vision research centres. Download our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 88KB) 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 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7 .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
Applicants preferably hold a Bachelors degree in a field of science including health sciences. International applicants preferably have a recognised qualification in optometry, ophthalmic nursing or a health science degree. Additional bridging 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 ago 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) 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.
Additional costs
Students should allow approximately A$1000 for a 90D lens and retinoscope/ophthalmoscope set, A$100 for student notes, manuals, and other items. Books and equipment may be purchased from any supplier and remain students' personal property. Travel and accommodation costs for clinical placement may also be incurred; these vary according to venue.
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.
Course details
Orthoptics (Master)Melbourne
2012 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology (022040K) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
1 year Semester 1 (February) $25 240

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology continued…

Year
2012
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 overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Computer-Based Test - A minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or more in the test of Written English; or TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at PG (postgraduate) level available from La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
An Australian Bachelor's degree or approved international equivalent in health sciences or related area.
Special requirements
Students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15) and a Working with Children (WWC) Check (no cost) before undertaking professional placement. This course has a clinical component. Fore more information, please visit: latrobe.edu.au/health/study/placements.
Additional information
Applications for this course close on 16 December 2011.
Course details
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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