Orthoptics
Bachelor of Orthoptic and Ophthalmic Sciences – Melbourne (Bundoora) (HBOOS)
From 2009 this course will only be available for continuing students. Those wishing to study orthoptics should apply for the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics.
Division of Allied Health: (03) 9479 5815
Duration: 3.5 years full-time
The course equips graduates to provide specialist clinical investigation of eye disease, including diagnosis of eye movement disorders, non-surgical management of specific eye problems and rehabilitation techniques for people with low vision. Studies include anatomy, physiology, ocular pathology, professional and clinical studies.
Clinical placements are undertaken at selected city, rural/regional, interstate and overseas hospitals and clinics. Some clinical placements are undertaken during teaching period breaks and students are expected to undertake an interstate or overseas placement at least once during the course. Students must meet the travel and accommodation costs associated with clinical practice. Prescribed uniforms are compulsory at all clinical placements and dress regulations are displayed on school notice boards. It is expected that students will purchase some clinical equipment for use in clinical examinations.
Course structure
This is a full-time course of 3.5 years’ duration. Students are required to attend the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus and external clinical placements.
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, such as examinations, assignments and practical work. Details of assessment in each subject are available from the Department of Clinical Vision Sciences at the beginning of the academic year. Students are expected to purchase lecture and laboratory manuals.
First year (no new intake in 2010)
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | HBS1APH | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT1OAP | Protective Structures and Clear Media | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT1OPV | Optics and Vision | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | PHE1PHC | Introduction to Public Health C | 10 |
| TE-SEM-1 | PHE1PCS | Introduction to Professional Communication Skills | 5 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HBS1HBF | Human Body Function | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT1ANT | Anterior Segment | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT1REF | Refraction | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT1RET | Retina | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | PHE1PHD | Introduction to Public Health D | 5 |
Second year (continuing students only)
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | HBS2NEU | Neurosciences A | 5 |
| TE-SEM-1 | HBS2PAG | General Pathology | 5 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT2BIN | Binocular Vision | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT2BMI | Biomedical Instrumentation | 5 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT2CLI | Clinical Practice A | 10 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT2RET | Retinal Disorders | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | PHE1RMH | Research Methods in Health 1 | 5 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HBS2PHA | Pharmacology | 5 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT2CON | Concomitant Strabismus | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT2NEU | Neuro-ophthalmic Disorders A | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT2OPH | Ophthalmic Practice | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT2RDO | Research Design in Orthoptic Practice | 5 |
| TE-SEM-2 | PHE2RMH | Research Methods in Health 2 | 5 |
Third year (continuing students only)
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT3EYE | Eye Health Care Systems | 10 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT3INC | Incomitant Strabismus | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT3NEU | Neuro-ophthalmic Disorders B | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | PHE2BDA | Behavioural Determinants of Health A | 5 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Elective | 15 | |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT3CLI | Clinical Practice B | 60 |
Fourth year (continuing students only)
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Elective/s | 15 | |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT4OPH | Case Management – Ophthalmic Disorders | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT4REH | Case Management – Rehabilitation | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT4SPO | Case Management – Strabismus and Paediatric Ophthalmology | 15 |
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board. Graduates are eligible for membership of the Orthoptic Association of Australia, which entitles graduates to membership of the International Orthoptic Association. The Bachelor of Orthoptic and Ophthalmic Sciences is generally recognised internationally, in particular in the UK, USA, Europe and Asia.
Honours year (HHOOS)
Students may be invited to undertake the honours program. Offers are made on the basis of academic merit. The honours program is undertaken in the second half of third year and continues through the second teaching period of the fourth year. Honours subjects are taken concurrently with the undergraduate subjects in semester two of third year and semester one of fourth year. Honours students normally undertake the Faculty subject Interdisciplinary Professional Practice (HLT3IPA) in semester two of fourth year.
Third year (continuing students only)
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Same as pass stream | 60 | |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT3CLH | Clinical Practice B Honours | 50 |
| TE-SEM-2/S | ORT3CLR | Orthoptic Critical Literature Review | 10 |
Fourth year (continuing students only)
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT4OPH | Case Management – Ophthalmic Disorders | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT4REH | Case Management – Rehabilitation | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT4SPO | Case Management – Strabismus and Paediatric Ophthalmology | 15 |
| TE-WK-07-22 | PHE4RMH | Research Methods in Health 4 | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HLT3IPA | Interdisciplinary Professional Practice | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT4ORP | Orthoptic Research Project | 45 |
Advanced status
Enrolment with advanced status is available to qualified orthoptists wishing to upgrade to a bachelor degree. Contact the Department of Clinical Vision Sciences for more information.