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Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours)
Melbourne (Bundoora)
INTAKE: March
Program Overview
La Trobe University's Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours) program is designed to prepare students for a career as orthoptists, healthcare professionals who specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of eye disorders, particularly those related to eye movement and binocular vision. This four-year undergraduate program combines theoretical knowledge with clinical experience to equip students with the skills necessary to work in a variety of healthcare settings.
Curriculum: The Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours) curriculum at La Trobe University covers a wide range of subjects relevant to the field of orthoptics. Students study anatomy and physiology of the eye, visual optics, ocular pathology, neuroanatomy, and orthoptic assessment techniques. The curriculum also includes courses in clinical practice, where students gain hands-on experience in conducting eye examinations, diagnosing eye conditions, and developing treatment plans under the supervision of qualified orthoptists.
Research Focus: La Trobe University emphasizes research within the Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours) program, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects relevant to the field of orthoptics. Students may participate in research initiatives focused on topics such as amblyopia, strabismus, visual development, eye movement disorders, and vision therapy. Through research experiences, students develop critical thinking skills, research methodologies, and evidence-based practice approaches applicable to orthoptic practice.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours) program at La Trobe University promotes industry engagement to ensure students are prepared for the demands of the healthcare profession. Students have access to clinical placements in hospitals, eye clinics, and private practices, where they gain practical experience working with patients with a range of eye conditions. Additionally, students may participate in industry seminars, workshops, and professional development activities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Global Perspective: Recognizing the global nature of eye health issues and orthoptic practice, La Trobe University integrates a global perspective into the Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours) program. Students learn about international trends in eye health, cross-cultural approaches to vision care, and global disparities in access to eye care services. Opportunities for international study exchanges, research collaborations, and global health experiences enable students to gain cross-cultural competence and contribute to addressing global eye health challenges.
Location
Melbourne (Bundoora)
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
AUD 43800
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 19 in each section.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 58 with a minimum of 50 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
La Trobe University is dedicated to fostering global talent and ensuring that international students have access to financial support through a range of scholarships.
Excellence Scholarships: La Trobe University offers Excellence Scholarships to high-achieving international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and can significantly offset tuition costs, making world-class education more accessible.
Regional Scholarships: Recognizing the importance of diversity, the university provides Regional Scholarships to international students from specific regions. These scholarships aim to promote cultural exchange and global perspectives.
Destination Australia Scholarships: La Trobe University participates in the Destination Australia Program, which provides financial assistance to international students choosing to study in regional Australia. This initiative not only eases the financial burden but also promotes education in vibrant regional communities.
Sports Scholarships: For talented athletes, the Sports Scholarships at La Trobe University offer an opportunity to pursue both academic and athletic excellence. These scholarships support athletes in achieving their sporting goals while earning a degree.
Research Scholarships: International students pursuing research degrees at La Trobe University can apply for Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide financial support for postgraduate research students, enabling them to contribute to cutting-edge research in various fields.
Indigenous Scholarships: La Trobe University is fostering Indigenous talent from around the world. Indigenous Scholarships are available to support Indigenous international students in their pursuit of higher education.
Alumni Scholarships: International students with a family member who is an alumnus of La Trobe University may be eligible for Alumni Scholarships, providing a special opportunity to follow in their family's educational footsteps.
Study Abroad Scholarships: International students looking to participate in a study abroad program at La Trobe University can explore Study Abroad Scholarships. These awards make global education experiences more accessible.
Exchange Scholarships: La Trobe University encourages international exchange students to explore Exchange Scholarships. These scholarships facilitate academic and cultural exchanges, enhancing the global perspectives of students.
Graduates of La Trobe University's Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours) program have a variety of career opportunities in the field of orthoptics and eye healthcare.
Orthoptist: The primary career path for graduates is becoming orthoptists. Orthoptists work in hospitals, eye clinics, and private practices, assessing and treating patients with eye disorders such as strabismus (misaligned eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and binocular vision problems. They conduct eye examinations, perform diagnostic tests, develop treatment plans, and provide vision therapy to improve patients' vision and eye coordination.
Pediatric Orthoptist: Graduates may specialize in pediatric orthoptics, focusing on assessing and treating eye disorders in children and adolescents. Pediatric orthoptists work closely with pediatric ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage conditions such as amblyopia, strabismus, and refractive errors in pediatric patients.
Adult Orthoptist: Some graduates choose to specialize in adult orthoptics, working with adult patients who have eye disorders or vision problems. Adult orthoptists assess and treat conditions such as double vision, eye movement disorders, and visual disturbances resulting from neurological conditions or trauma.
Low Vision Specialist: Graduates interested in low vision rehabilitation can pursue careers as low vision specialists. Low vision specialists work with individuals who have vision loss or impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or medical treatment. They assess patients' functional vision, prescribe low vision aids and devices, and provide training in adaptive strategies to help patients maximize their remaining vision.
Researcher in Vision Science: Graduates may pursue careers as researchers in vision science, conducting studies to advance understanding of eye anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Vision science researchers work in academic institutions, research organizations, or healthcare settings, investigating topics such as ocular development, visual perception, and treatments for eye diseases and disorders.
Academic Orthoptist: Some graduates choose to pursue academic careers as orthoptics educators and researchers. Academic orthoptists teach orthoptics students, supervise clinical training, and conduct research in orthoptics-related topics. They may work in universities, teaching hospitals, or research institutes, contributing to the education and training of future orthoptists and advancing knowledge in the field.
Teleorthoptist: With the increasing use of telehealth technology, graduates can work as teleorthoptists, providing remote orthoptic assessments and consultations to patients via telecommunication devices. Teleorthoptists assess patients' eye conditions, provide recommendations for treatment or referral, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
Orthoptic Consultant: Experienced orthoptists may work as orthoptic consultants, providing expert advice and consultation services to healthcare organizations, government agencies, or insurance companies. Orthoptic consultants may specialize in areas such as vision screening programs, occupational vision assessments, or medicolegal evaluations.
