Orthoptics

Career opportunities

There is a strong demand for orthoptists in Australia and overseas. You may expect to work in specialist eye clinics, public hospitals with ophthalmic surgeons, rehabilitation centres, low vision agencies, and eye and vision research centres.

Your study experience

Orthoptics placements

Clinical placements help you to put your theoretical learning into clinical practice and develop the skills to work as an independent practitioner. Clinical education and professional practice is done in the last 18 months of your course largely within the Orthoptics Clinical School Network. The Orthoptics Clinical School Network consists of health services operating ophthalmology and orthoptic clinical programs. These include private ophthalmology clinics in metropolitan Melbourne as well as the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, the Royal Children's Hospital, Northern Health, Alfred Hospital, Austin Health and Monash Medical Centre. We also have strong networks with clinical placement providers in regional Victoria, interstate and overseas. Students, for instance, have done placements in Albury, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Warrnambool, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Canberra, Hobart, Perth, Rockhampton and Townsville.

You must undertake at least one placement outside of metropolitan Melbourne in the final year. Placements happen throughout the year and are not limited to standard semester weeks. You will be required to wear a standard uniform whilst on professional placement.

Alternative pathways

Master of Orthoptics (graduate entry)

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

We do not have partner institutions for study exchange, but we have developed strong networks with clinical placement providers overseas. You are encouraged to travel to broaden your clinical experience and improve your employment prospects. Students have done placements in Canada, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, UK and USA.