BSc (Hons) in Orthoptics

Orthoptists are allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of eye conditions.

Understanding the eye and the role of the brain in visual experience is key to Orthoptic work. Orthoptists work in the care and management of patients with poor development of vision and conditions that include brain injury, diabetes, stroke, low vision, and glaucoma.

Orthoptists work closely with Ophthalmologists and Optometrists, as well as pediatricians, neurologists, nursery teachers, health visitors, endocrinologists, and other allied health professionals in multi-disciplinary care.

The programme at GCU involves learning alongside other healthcare trainees giving students a multidisciplinary experience throughout their four years of study. Orthoptics is suited to individuals interested in health care who enjoy working with people, particularly children and the elderly.

International student start dates

For new international students, orientation events start on 14 September 2018. This extra time is specifically designed to assist new international students in settling into the UK and GCU prior to the start of general student induction and teaching.

There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus and city tours, as well as welcome events where you can meet other international students.

Professional accreditation

The programme has been approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and for membership of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and the International and European Orthoptic Organisations.

Assessment methods

We use a wide range of learning and teaching methods to ensure that you have both the necessary knowledge and understanding of business and management and a portfolio of intellectual and personal skills.

Each module on the programme uses its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to achieve learning objectives. Assessment methods vary between modules and may include unseen examinations, class tests, essays, management reports, case studies, presentations, and group work.

Teaching methods

The learning and teaching methods we use to ensure that our programme is both vocationally relevant and academically challenging. Our approach is student-centered, practical, participative and relevant to the needs of employers.

We've moved away from the traditional teacher-centric learning to a more independent learning approach, where you are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills.

What you will study

Year 1

Foundations in Practice in Health and Social Care, Ocular Anatomy and Physiology, Child Development and Health Optics, Refraction and Binocular Vision, Practice Education.

Year 2

Diagnostic Techniques, Ocular Pharmacology, Ocular Pathology, Physiology and Microbiology, Refraction and Binocular Vision, Introductory Ocular Disease, Practice Education.

Year 3

Advanced Orthoptics 1 & 2, Research Methods and Statistics, Clinical Ophthalmology, Incomitant Deviations, Practice Education, Visual Neuroscience.

Year 4

Management in Health Care, Honours Project, Advanced Orthoptics 3, Practice Education.

Your career

Studying Orthoptics is interesting and challenging and employment opportunities are excellent. The qualification is recognized worldwide.

The programme has been approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and for membership of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and the International and European Orthoptic Organisations.