COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours) at La Trobe University requires students to complete 480 credit points, including core orthoptics subjects and a 60 credit point minor. The four-year program is designed to develop advanced knowledge and clinical skills in vision science, eye health, and orthoptic practice. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge through studies in human biosciences, anatomy, health and wellbeing, professional communication, eye anatomy and physiology, research methods, orthoptic practice, and optics and refractive states. The second year expands students’ understanding of eye conditions through subjects covering ocular pathology, clinical anatomy and neuroscience, binocular vision, pathophysiology, strabismus, microbiology, and evidence-based practice. In the third year, students develop specialized clinical expertise in areas including eye movement disorders, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular management and therapeutics, pharmacology, specialist low vision care, and advanced strabismus management, while also completing a minor subject. The final year focuses on professional practice, leadership, and management in orthoptics, supported by advanced clinical placements and a capstone experience. Throughout the program, students develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, patient communication, research, and clinical decision-making. The combination of theoretical learning, practical training, and professional experience prepares graduates to work as skilled orthoptists in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation services, and other vision care settings.