With a strong focus on clinical experience, our Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours) will prepare you to launch a successful career as an orthoptist. You'll explore the anatomy and physiology of the eye to understand vision and visual function. Learn how to help people with eye disorders including strabismus (eye turns), eye diseases and low vision.

Clinical experiences start in your first year and will be a significant part of your degree. We work closely with industry to give you access to placements and hands-on experience in hospitals with dedicated eye clinics as well as private eye clinics. During these experiences, you'll learn how to use specialised technology, such as retinal cameras and ultrasonography machines.

You'll have the opportunity to complete a placement beyond Melbourne in your final year with one of our partner clinics in regional Victoria, interstate or overseas. You'll also have the opportunity to help where you're needed most - in a developing country.

Take advantage of an industry-based or research project, where you'll develop project management and research skills essential for a successful career in orthoptics.

You'll learn:

• Eye anatomy and physiology
  • Understand the anatomy and physiology of the structures of the eye and the roles these structure play in various eye functions.
• Optics and refraction
  • Understand the principles of optics (visible and invisible light) and how they impact the eye and visual system including long and short-sightedness.
• Eye conditions and diagnostics
  • Learn diagnostic tests and procedures to investigate different eye conditions.
• Patient-centred care
  • Develop your clinical practice around a patient-centred care framework and ensure you treat patients using evidence-based best practice.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 – Bachelor Degree Honours.

Sample course structure

Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.