Orthoptics BSc (Hons)
Accredited
- Course length: 3 years
- UCAS code: B520
- Year of entry: 2019
- Typical offer: A-level : BBB / IB : 30 / BTEC : Applications considered
Honours Select
×This programme offers Honours Select combinations.
Honours Select 100
×
This programme is available through Honours Select as a Single Honours (100%).
Honours Select 75
×
This programme is available through Honours Select as a Major (75%).
Honours Select 50
×
This programme is available through Honours Select as a Joint Honours (50%).
Honours Select 25
×
This programme is available through Honours Select as a Minor (25%).
Study abroad
×
This programme offers study abroad opportunities.
Year in China
×
This programme offers the opportunity to spend a Year in China.
Accredited
×
This programme is accredited.
The Orthoptics programme aims to develop your knowledge of how the vision system works, binocular vision involving how the eyes work together, and eye movement systems including the importance of assessing ocular motility.
In addition, you will focus on the fundamentals of the nervous system, neuro-anatomy and physiology, and where it relates to the practice of orthoptics. This background knowledge will enable a graduate orthoptist to perform as a competent and reflective practitioner and be a valuable member of the eye care team.
The Orthoptic programme will equip a graduate with the skills to diagnose and manage conditions which may present in a range of patients from newborns to the elderly, eg strabismus (eye misalignments), amblyopia (sometimes called lazy eye), traumatic injuries, tumours, head injuries, diabetes and strokes.
Programme in detail
Throughout the three years, three themes provide the framework for student studies, in all cases linking theoretical knowledge to clinical conditions. These comprise:
- Orthoptic professional studies. This consists of modules delivering the necessary theory and clinical skills to develop a competent orthoptist, including the physiology of vision, eye movements and binocular vision. The clinical component is delivered in part at the University but also on clinical placements. These are an essential component of the programme and take part in NHS orthoptic departments across the whole of the UK
- Extended professional studies. This theme reflects the changing role of the orthoptist, from being involved purely in strabismus (eye misalignment) to their involvement in other aspects of ophthalmology. This includes the underpinning anatomy and physiology, characteristics, investigation and management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy in both adults and children. In addition, the theory and practical application of physics in optometric practice are also included
- Integrated professional studies. This theme encompasses the skills and attributes applicable to graduates and all health professionals, including research methods, communication skills, ethics and behavioural science
- In addition, key transferable skills are embedded into the curriculum in each year of the programme so that students are prepared to effectively manage their personal and professional development following graduation.
For more information on Orthoptics, please see www.liverpool.ac.uk/orthoptics/ or email shs@liverpool.ac.uk.
Department Key Facts
Number of first year students
288 Year One undergraduates the School of Health Sciences in 2017
UK league tables
Ranked 1st for Nursing in the Guardian University Guide 2018 and and 5th for Occupation Therapy in the Complete University Guide 2019
National Student Survey
• 100% overall satisfaction for Orthoptics and Physiotherapy programmes
Why this subject?
Strengthen your career prospects. Benefit from our experience in delivering over 100 years of teaching across practical and professionally focused programmes.
Learn from experienced, registered, working practitioners. Our curriculum is developed and assessed by leading healthcare providers, including Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital Trust, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and the Christie, Manchester. Many such partners across the North West provide exciting placement opportunities.
Bring your learning to life through clinical experience. Gain a breadth of patient-focused practical experience in a region with a particularly diverse population, providing an invaluable insight to future roles.
Prepare for practice by studying with professionals from across the Health Sciences. Inter-professional modules reflect the multi-profession, team approach that you will encounter in today’s healthcare settings.