Department of Clinical Vision Sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the orthoptist?
Orthoptists diagnose and manage disorders of eye movement, examines the eye to help find the cause and describe changes in eye disease and provide rehabilitation for people with low vision.
Orthoptists work with people from all age groups and cultural backgrounds and are integral members of the eye health care team.
How is this profession different from Optometry or Ophthalmology?
Orthoptists are clinicians who work at the secondary health care level where patients are referred by a general practitioner or other medical specialist. Orthoptists therefore always see patients that have a condition requiring clinical testing for further diagnosis or non-surgical treatment. Orthoptists provide vision rehabilitation in settings including special education and specialist vision rehabilitation facilities.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has done further study in the specialty of eye disease and surgery. Orthoptists work with ophthalmologists investigating and managing eye disease in hospitals or ophthalmologists' private practices.
An optometrist is a primary eye care practitioner. Their practices are generally found within shopping centres. Optometrists prescribe glasses, screen for eye disease and may treat a specified group of minor eye disorders.
What does the course involve?
The Bachelor of Orthoptic and Ophthalmic Sciences is a three and a half year undergraduate program that provides training in relevant sciences, an understanding of eye disease and appropriate investigative and management techniques. The degree also equips students with research skills and a broad understanding of the health sciences field.
The course is taught at the Bundoora campus. In addition students undertake clinical placements as an integral part of the program. Clinical practicum can be undertaken at selected city, country, interstate or overseas hospitals and clinics. Contact hours range from 20-30 hours per week.
Can the course be done part time?
Part time study is possible. The block clinical placement in third year needs to be undertaken full time.
How many clinical placements are there?
Years 2 - 4 attend clinics during first semester. In third year, students are required to complete a block placement of twelve weeks duration.
What was the clearly-in ENTER score for 2007?
In 2007 the ENTER score was 70.20. The score fluctuates each year depending upon demand.
What is the course intake each year?
Each year there are approximately 40 places available.
How do I get a place in the course?
If you are studying Year 12 in 2007 you will need to apply for the course through VTAC. Prerequisites include VCE Units 3 & 4: a study score of at least 25 in English plus a study score of at least 25 in two of the following subjects: Chemistry, a Mathematics (any), Biology, Physics or Physical Education.
If you have previously, or are currently undertaking tertiary study, you also apply through VTAC. Your tertiary results must be supplied to VTAC. The results will then automatically be provided to the department. The selection committee gives preference to science based courses than non-science based.
The VTAC address for application information is: www.vtac.edu.au
Current La Trobe University students do not apply through VTAC, they should use an Application to Transfer Course Form which is handed directly into the Department.
What if I do not satisfy tertiary entry requirements or have special circumstances?
VTAC has established, in coordination with the tertiary institutions, a variety of Special Equity and Access Schemes (SEAS). Consult the VTAC website for SEAS information as relates to La Trobe University and follow the instructions regarding the submission of documentation.
Mature Age applicants, as defined in SEAS criteria, must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice. STAT information is available on the VTAC website.
If I am not successful in my initial application, what other alternative pathways may lead to Orthoptics?
Unsuccessful applicants may consider applying for an alternative tertiary course, preferably science or health science based, and then applying for a transfer after completing one year of study.
Where can I get more information??
You can visit our Virtual Clinic and / or attend an introduction session at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Details on the introduction session will be available on open day. You can also attend a course information session on open day at La Trobe University Bundoora Campus. These are usually held on the last Sunday in August.
Are there opportunities for further study as a postgraduate student?
Yes. The Department of Clinical Vision Sciences also provides a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methods, Masters by research, PhD and Doctor of Clinical Sciences (Clinical Vision Sciences).
What employment opportunities are available?
An orthoptist can work in a variety of private, public and community areas. Successful completion of the course qualifies graduates for registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board and they may practice locally, interstate or overseas. Graduates are also eligible for membership of the Orthoptic Association of Australia and the International Orthoptic Association. Jobs availability is generally good, particularly in rural areas, and interstate. There is currently a shortage of orthoptists in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Other important points
There are only 2 orthoptic training programs in Australia. There are no formal training courses in New Zealand and Japan is the only provider in Asia.
Internationally recognised qualification, enabling travel upon graduation without further training.
Employed in the public sector, under the Allied Health Award. This award covers speech pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists etc.
For further information please contact the Selection Officer, Department of Clinical Vision Sciences (Division of Allied Health) on 9479 5815 or Email: studyorthoptics@latrobe.edu.au.
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