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Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics (Honours)

Course code/s: ME (HZHHOR)

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.

Course structure

The first year of the course is an interdisciplinary core 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 indepth 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, as well as at 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 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.

First year

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 subject to any prerequisites	15

Second year

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

Third year

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

Fourth year - Honours program

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