Orthoptics, BMedSci (Hons)

Our BMedSci is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council. It provides you with all the necessary knowledge and training for professional practice as an orthoptist worldwide.An orthoptist specialises in the investigation, diagnosis and management of visual defects and abnormalities of eye movement. You'll explore ocular misalignment (strabismus), eye-movement (ocular motility) disorders and ocular diseases in patients of all ages.Year 1 introduces you to the topics of strabismus, clinical skills and optics, and gives you the scientific background you need to understand the normal eye. You'll also examine the importance of, and different approaches to, interpersonal and communication skills and how this relates to working in the NHS.In year 2 you'll examine ocular motility abnormalities and disease states, and study topics such as pathology, medical microbiology, electrodiagnosis, medical ethics and law, and the organisation and structure of the NHS. At the end of year 2 you'll learn how to carry out research.Year 3 introduces new subjects such as paediatric neurology, associated professional studies and sale, and the supply and administration of medicinal products.You'll put your skills and knowledge into practice with a research project on a specialist topic. You might have the opportunity to present your findings at a conference or you could even have your work published in a medical journal.Your third year involves more self-directed study. You'll manage your own time while you carry out assignments, presentations and your research project.Clinical workThe course includes 33 weeks on placement. You'll work in orthoptic departments across the UK and Ireland. This gives you the comprehensive clinical experience to build on communication skills and develop the practical skills needed to start your career.The final year includes a two-week clinical placement in an orthoptic clinic of your choice.Over the three years, you'll examine patients of all ages. The most common patient groups are children, the elderly and those with disabilities.This is a three year, full-time course. The first year gives you the scientific background you need to understand the normal eye, together with an introduction to optics and binocular vision. The second and third years develop this understanding and explore ocular abnormalities and disease. You'll also study topics related to the profession, such as medical ethics, interpersonal skills and the organisation and structure of the NHS. In the third year, you'll carry out your own research project on a topic of your choice. The course includes 33 weeks on placement. You'll work in orthoptic departments across the UK, Ireland and Gibraltar. This gives you the comprehensive clinical experience to build on communication skills and develop the practical skills needed to start your career. The final year includes a two-week clinical placement in an orthoptic clinic of your choice.Graduates go on to work in these kinds of environments, alongside other professionals such as ophthalmologists, paediatricians and neurologists. The degree is recognised worldwide.