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Department of Clinical Vision Sciences Content Approved by:
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Department of Clinical Vision Sciences Frequently Asked Questions What is the role of an orthoptist?Orthoptists are eye care professionals who specialise in the detection, diagnosis and management of vision and eye disorders. They provide non-surgical treatment, which includes prescribing glasses for children and adults and providing low vision rehabilitation services to those with vision impairment. Orthoptists work with people from all age groups and cultural backgrounds and are integral members of the eye health care team. How is this course different to Optometry and Ophthalmology?Orthoptists are clinicians who work within secondary eye health care level (public hospitals and specialist eye clinics) where patients are referred by a general practitioner or other specialist. Orthoptists therefore always see patients that have a condition requiring clinical testing for further diagnosis or non-surgical treatment. An optometrist is a primary eye care practitioner. Their practices are generally found within shopping centres. Optometrists primarily prescribe glasses and screen for eye disease. 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. How do I apply for the course?All applicants must apply to the Victoria Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), except students currently enrolled at La Trobe University who can apply for a Course Transfer directly to the Selection Officer, Department of Clinical Vision Sciences, Health Sciences Reception. All applicants should also complete the Pi form on the VTAC website. What was the clearly-in ENTER score for 2009Bundoora Campus: 2009: 79.75 (subject to change for 2010) You are encouraged to apply regardless of your ENTER score as the score fluctuates from year to year depending on demand. How many years is the course?Four year full time course. Is the Bachelor course offered part-time?Part time study is possible however the block clinical placements in the latter part of the course are only offered full-time. Can I do the course by correspondence or distance education?No. Is there a mid-year intake?No. When do applications for 2010 open?The VTAC online system opened on 3 August, 2009. What are the closing dates?
After the final closing date you will need to contact the Selection Officer, Department of Clinical Vision Sciences to enquire about Late Direct Applications. These will only be considered subject to available places. A late fee will apply. What is the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics VTAC Course Code?
What are the course prerequisites for 2010?
Further information about Special Entry/Mature-Age Entry and the STAT is available on the Events for mature age students page and also on theVTAC web site. If I don't get into the Orthoptics course this year, what can I do to improve my chances of getting in next year?If you are interested in a career in health you should consider the other health professional courses available at La Trobe. If you enrol in a La Trobe health course that takes the Common First Year subjects, you can apply for a transfer to another course at the end of first year and transfer directly into the second year of your chosen course. Transfers are dependent on available places, and selection is based on academic merit. Alternatively, you may enrol in any other course and reapply as a tertiary transfer applicant, as an internal transfer for La Trobe students, or via VTAC for non-La Trobe students. I am currently enrolled at La Trobe University, how do I apply for the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics?Current La Trobe University students should lodge an "Application for Course Transfer " form. Copies of these forms are available from the Student Administration Office or the Faculty of Health Sciences Reception (Bundoora campus). Completed applications should be lodged at the Faculty of Health Sciences Reception (Bundoora campus) by Friday 4th December 2009. How many places are available each year?The course takes approximately 40 students per year. A large proportion of these students are VCE students and approximately 30% of places are available for non-VCE applicants. How many contact hours is the course?Like similar courses, a full-time study load is equivalent to approximately 40 hours per week which includes class contact (lectures, seminars and tutorials), study time and assessment. How many clinical placements are there?The final 18 months of the course integrates theory and practice with a number of block clinical placements. What fees do I have to pay for the course?The course is funded under the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP ) scheme (previously know as HECS) and is predominately charged at the Band 2 rate. Further information is available on the Fees & scholarships page. How do I know if I'm eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP )?To determine eligibility for a CSP please refer to the website Going to Uni Am I eligible for Centrelink payments?The course meets eligibility requirements for Austudy or Youth Allowance, providing other Centrelink criteria is met. Can I defer my offer?Yes, a 12-month deferral with be automatically granted. An application for deferral must be completed. Does the degree have professional recognition?Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board (AOB) and membership of the Orthoptic Association of Australia (OAA), International Orthoptic Association (IOA) and associate membership of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO). What are the career prospects on graduating from the course?There is a strong demand for Orthoptists in Australia and graduates are also recognised internationally. Are there any scholarships available?The School does not offer any scholarships but information on University scholarships can be obtained from www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships. Applications for 2010 will close on 31 January, 2010. Do you offer a graduate entry program?The Faculty of Health Sciences intends to offer a two-year Master of Orthoptics graduate entry program (GEM) in 2011 for students who have already undertaken an undergraduate qualification in Health Sciences or another relevant discipline. The program is currently being developed. There may be additional requirements for graduates with a non-relevant undergraduate qualification. Are there opportunities for further study as a postgraduate student?Yes. The Department of Clinical Vision Sciences also offers a postgraduate diploma, Masters, (by research) PhD and professional doctorate programs. Are there many Orthoptic training programs in Australia? There are only two orthoptic training programs in Australia. There are no formal training courses in New Zealand and Japan is the only provider in Asia. Where can I get more information?To find out more about the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics course, visit our Virtual Clinic www.latrobe.edu.au/virtualclinic. There is also an opportunity for you to attend an introduction session at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Details on the introduction session will be available on Open Day. (For open day information please refer visit the Open Day site. What if I live overseas? How should I apply for the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics?All international applicants must contact La Trobe International to obtain a copy of the International Prospectus and information about enrolling. Details are as follows: La Trobe International Further Information:Brochure:
Course StructureThe course structure can be viewed from the La Trobe University Handbook page for the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics Links to subject details on the Unit Database can be found in the 'Unit code' column of the table on the page. Course FinderFurther details can be found on the CourseFinder page for the: Contact DetailsDepartment of Clinical Vision Sciences Alternative format
Last Updated:October 21, 2008 |
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