Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics
Course code/s: Melbourne (HZHORT) Honours (HZHHOR)
Duration: 4 years
This combined degree course prepares the graduate to become an Orthoptist – an eye care professional who specialises in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vision and eye disorders. Orthoptists are mostly employed in specialist eye clinics and public hospitals, where they work with ophthalmic surgeons to monitor eye disease and provide treatment, including prescribing glasses for children and adult patients. Orthoptists also provide vision rehabilitation services to clients in low vision agencies. The majority of subjects undertaken are core subjects.
Course structure
The first year of the course is an interdisciplinary common year shared with students across the Faculty of Health Sciences. The focus of this year is on basic human anatomy and physiology, factors influencing health and developing an understanding of the roles of health professionals in the health and welfare sectors.
The second year provides background study in neurosciences, pathology and pharmacology, as well as an in-depth understanding of the visual system and the eye. The basic principles of ocular pathology and orthoptic theory and practice are introduced.
During the third year of the course, students will further develop their knowledge and skills in orthoptics, ophthalmology and vision rehabilitation.
The fourth year of the course is largely clinical and students will be able to apply their knowledge and practical skills to the clinical environment and consolidate their ability to manage vision and eye problems in patients of all ages. The clinical program includes placement at the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, and other clinical agencies, under the supervision of an Orthoptist, facilitating transition into the workforce. The course also provides students with the opportunity to undertake part of their clinical education in affiliated clinics interstate and overseas. At the completion of the double degree, graduates will be prepared for the workforce with a background in teamwork and leadership.
There is a strong demand for Orthoptists at present and graduates readily gain employment in public hospitals, private practice, low vision agencies, universities and eye research centres. 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.
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | HBS1HBA | Human Biosciences A | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | HLT1IPA | Interprofessional Practice A | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | HLT1PHW | Perspectives of Health and Wellbeing | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | PHE1IDH | Individual Determinants of Health | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HBS1HBB | Human Biosciences B | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HLT1IPB | Interprofessional Practice B | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | PHE1SDH | Social Determinants of Health | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | elective | elective subject may be taken from anywhere in the University provided any prerequisites are met | 15 |
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT2ORS | Optics & Refractive State | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | HBS2CAN | Clinical Anatomy & Neurosciences | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT2PVS | Ocular Physiology & Vision Science | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | HLT2IEP | Integrating Evidence into Practice | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HBS3PAP | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT3OPM | Ocular Pathology & Microbiology | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT3BVR | Binocular Vision & Refraction | 15 |
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT4OID | Ophthalmic Investigation & Diagnosis | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT4OPP | Ophthalmic Pharmacology | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT4NEM | Neuro-ophthalmology & Eye Movement Control | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT4CON | Concomitant Strabismus | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT5LVR | Low Vision Rehabilitation | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT5OMT | Ophthalmic Management & Therapeutics | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT5INC | Incomitant Strabismus | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT5CLA | Orthoptic Clinical Practice A | 15 |
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT5MES | Models of Eye Service Delivery | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT5CLB | Orthoptic Clinical Practice B | 30 |
| TE-SEM-1/2 | ORT5CLC | Orthoptic Clinical Practice C | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT5EOP | Evidence-Based Orthoptic Practice | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT5CLD | Orthoptic Clinical Practice D | 30 |
Honours program (HZHHOR)
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-S | ORT5CLR | Critical Literature Review (Honours) | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT5MES | Models of Eye Service Delivery | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT5THA | Honours Thesis A | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | ORT5CLB | Orthoptic Clinical Practice B | 30 |
| TE-SEM-1/2 | ORT5CLC | Orthoptic Clinical Practice C | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT5EOP | Evidence-Based Orthoptic Practice | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT5THB | Honours Thesis B | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | ORT5CLD | Orthoptic Clinical Practice D | 30 |
Honours program
For information and the course structure for the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics (Honours), please visit the course entry in this Handbook.