Orthoptics BSc (Hons) at University of Liverpool

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 infants 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. The first theme ‘Orthoptic Clinical Practice and Theory’, 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.

Another theme is ‘Ophthalmology’, 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.

The final theme is ‘Research’, this theme introduces the student to basic concepts of types of data and presentation, study design and an introduction to research ethics. This builds during the programme with interpretation of data, critical appraisal, the opportunity to undertake a research study in Year Two and completion of a literature review in Year Three.

The three themes are supported by modules covering content that is critical to aid understanding, these include Professionalism and scholarship, Visual optics, Anatomy, physiology and normal development and Professionalism and holistic healthcare for orthoptists (involving behavioural science and public health). In addition, there is a specific module covering exemptions to enable graduates to be eligible to have annotated HCPC registration with exemptions for the sale, supply and administration of medicines.

Career prospects

As a graduate of the School of Health Sciences you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). You can look forward to a career in the National Health Service, Social Services or the private sector.

You will have gained a qualification that meets the Government’s criteria for ‘fitness for purpose’ and ‘fitness for practice’ as well as developing transferable skills such as communication, information technology, problem solving and teamwork.

A recent National Student Survey awarded the Directorate of Orthoptics and Vision Science a rating of 100% for student satisfaction. Orthoptic graduates are eligible to apply for statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Most graduates choose to work in the National Health Service as an orthoptist in an eye care team. However, there are opportunities to progress within your role as an orthoptist in a number of additional extended roles and advanced practice such as stroke, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and special educational needs. There may also be opportunities to work in a private clinic or even abroad due to the international high recognition of the qualification. Overall, this programme offers graduates a rewarding career as an autonomous practitioner and part of the health care team with an excellent record of graduate employment.

Qualifying you for life

Students will develop skills including:

• Information gathering and analysis
• Problem solving
• Communication (written and oral)
• Numeracy
• Information and communication technology
• Working with others
• Time management
• Self-directed learning.