Master of Orthoptics
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
The Master of Orthoptics prepares graduates for professional registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board. The course includes studies in professional practice, the clinical management of refractive error, ocular surface disorders, ocular pathology, strabismus, and eye movement disorders.
Orthoptists are a key member of the medical eye care team, you will assist with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye through non-surgical management.
They support patients who have visual problems associated with conditions such as stroke or head injury, work with partially sighted people and treat children with lazy eyes. They have particular expertise in the assessment and treatment of disorders of binocular vision (use of the two eyes as a pair).
This course will prepare you to be able to assist in the assessment of patients with eye diseases and develop skills in many of the exacting diagnostic procedures related to disorders of the eye and visual system such as testing peripheral vision, ultrasonography and biometry. You will also be trained to, prescribe glasses, assist in minor surgery and provide clients with instruction in the use of contact lenses.
Units of study
Full units of study list
- BACH5341 - Research & Inquiry in Health Professions
- ORTH5029 - Clinical Management of Refractive Error
- ORTH5031 - Eye Movement Disorders
- ORTH5039 - The Eye and Vision
- ORTH5040 - Binocular Vision & Ocular Motility 1
- ORTH5041 - Introduction to Professional Practice
- ORTH5042 - Ocular Pathology 1
- ORTH5043 - Binocular Vision & Ocular Motility 2
- ORTH5044 - Professional Practice 1
- ORTH5045 - Professional Practice 2
- ORTH5046 - Neurological Ocular Disorders
- ORTH5047 - Research Project 1
- ORTH5048 - Professional Practice 3
- ORTH5049 - Professional Practice 4
- ORTH5050 - Ocular Pathology 2
- ORTH5051 - Research Project 2
- ORTH5053 - Advanced Professional Practice
- ORTH5060 - Perspectives in Vision
Further course information
Study plan
You will follow a prescribed course of study with a total of 96 credit points (cp) incorporating 16 core units.
Progression rules
The Master of Orthoptics requires the completion of 96 credit points of core units of study.
Capstone experience
A number of clinical and professional fieldwork opportunities are scheduled as part of the course. Fieldwork provides hands on experience with real clients in a supervised environment allowing students to combine academic study with the practical abilities required of the Orthoptics profession.
As part of this course eligible students also have the opportunity to take part in the ‘FHS Abroad' program which involves academic study and a 4-6 week placement with non-government organisations and other development agencies in one of a small number of countries in South and South East Asia. This experience (valued at 6 credit points) enables students to gain a real understanding of global health and make a lasting difference to communities worldwide.
Course outcomes and further study
Graduate opportunities
You will work with people of all ages performing complex diagnostic procedures for diseases of the eye. You may be involved in prescribing exercises for adults and children who have problems with eye muscles, or assisting people with low vision. Orthoptists can also prescribe glasses on referral.
Orthoptists work in many settings, including laser eye clinics, ophthalmic and optometric practices, hospital eye clinics, community centres, vision screening programs, specialist centres for people with low vision, organisations such as the Royal Blind Society, and scientific and clinical research.
Graduates readily gain employment in NSW and there are currently areas of staff shortages nation-wide, particularly in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart. Alternatively you could use your qualifications to travel and work in clinical practice overseas or take up research in this field.
Course accreditation
Master of Orthoptics graduates can register with the Australian Orthoptic Board. Your qualification is recognised in many other countries.
Further study
Eligible graduates may consider an additional three years of study with us as a research candidate for the higher research degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/research_innovation/. The PhD is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake in-depth study in a specialised area under the supervision of an academic staff member with expertise in your field of research.
The award of the degree in the health sciences will enhance your profile as a genuine researcher and expert in your chosen field, afford opportunities as a published researcher, and may lead to an academic appointment, or to a research appointment with a government or industrial research and development organisation.
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Applications for the Sydney Master of Orthoptics are made though the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) www.uac.edu.au. On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of October. This course is not in the July semester intake.
Admission requirements
A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Orthoptics requires:
To be eligible to apply you will need:
* A PhD, master's or bachelor's degree from an Australian
institution or equivalent.
* A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.5 or greater (approximately
equivalent to a credit average or better) assessed on the
highest ranked tertiary qualification presented.
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University's International Office, (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent), or (iii) through the Universities Admissions Centre, for students applying on the basis of a current Australian Year 12 secondary school examination, or studying either an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.
Admission requirements
A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Orthoptics requires:
To be eligible to apply you will need:
* A PhD, master's or bachelor's degree from an Australian
institution or equivalent.
* A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.5 or greater (approximately
equivalent to a credit average or better) assessed on the
highest ranked tertiary qualification presented.
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
*(1)Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.
Annual review
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml
*(2)Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2012 tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
This 2012 tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_coursework or http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_research
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.