Program Overview

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Master of Orthoptics

The Master of Orthoptics is a postgraduate program that equips students with the expertise to excel in the dynamic field of eye healthcare. This unique, practice-oriented course is the sole postgraduate option in Australia, offering a blend of cutting-edge practice and theory that prepares students for advancements in medical technology and evidence-based practice.

Overview

Targeted at aspiring orthoptists, this course provides specialist knowledge in orthoptics, ophthalmics, and low vision, preparing students to adapt to the evolving landscape of eye care. Students acquire clinical skills for professional orthoptic practice, benefiting from strong industry connections and diverse clinical placements across hospitals, private practices, and rehabilitation settings.

Notes

• Applications for domestic students open on 29 July 2025 for the February 2026 intake.
• No mid-year intake is available.
• International students may apply now.
• It is recommended to apply early, as applications and eligibility for interview will be assessed on a rolling basis.
• Applications will close once all places have been filled.
• Indigenous applicants will be contacted by the Professor of Practice in Indigenous Health and are welcome to submit cultural and/or community referees to accompany their application.
• Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are not available for this course; however, eligible domestic students may apply for FEE-HELP.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is not accepted for this course.

Availabilities

• The course is available at the City campus, with an attendance mode of on-campus, weekly, and full-time.
• The course is available for both domestic and international students.

Professional Recognition

The Master of Orthoptics is fully accredited by the Australian Orthoptic Board. Upon completion of the degree, graduates are eligible for registration as an orthoptist.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

1. Practice professional expertise and clinical reasoning to provide safe, responsible, and evidence-based orthoptic care for the benefit of the community.
2. Lead and collaborate within disciplinary and interdisciplinary health care teams to provide best practice health care and contribute to positive patient outcomes.
3. Utilize research knowledge and skills to analyze and synthesize literature, design research methodology, and ethically conduct research in the field of orthoptics.
4. Engage in reflective practice to support lifelong learning and professional development that enhances patient outcomes and health service delivery.
5. Advocate for patients, clients, and communities to ensure person-centered and ethical approaches to practice and supporting equity in eye care delivery in national and global health systems.
6. Critically reflect on Indigenous Australian contexts and apply principles of cultural safety and ethical research practices to work effectively with and for Indigenous Australians within the orthoptic profession.

Structure

Students must complete 96 credit points of study, including the following core subjects:

• Eye and Visual Systems (6 CPs)
• Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility 1 (6 CPs)
• Ocular Pathology 1 (6 CPs)
• Introduction to Professional Practice (6 CPs)
• Clinical Management of Refractive Error (6 CPs)
• Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility 2 (6 CPs)
• Ocular Pathology 2 (6 CPs)
• Professional Practice 1 (6 CPs)
• Research Project 1 (6 CPs)
• Neurological Ocular Disorders (6 CPs)
• Therapy, Management, and Rehabilitation (6 CPs)
• Professional Practice 2 (6 CPs)
• Research Project 2 (6 CPs)
• Advanced Professional Practice (6 CPs)
• Professional Practice 3 (12 CPs)

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. These can be found via the inherent requirements directory.

Award and Faculty

The award for this program is the Master of Orthoptics (MOrth), offered by the Graduate School of Health.

Study Level and Location

This is a postgraduate program located at the City campus.

Duration and Language of Instruction

The program duration is 2 years, and the language of instruction is English.

CRICOS Code

The CRICOS code for this program is not specified in the provided context.