Orthoptists specialise in diagnosing, managing and treating eye movement disorders and visual impairments. They work alongside optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other clinicians and allied health professionals to provide the very best care to patients of all ages.
A degree in orthoptics from the University of Sheffield can take you in lots of directions in healthcare – from an NHS hospital or community eye clinic to a rehabilitation centre for patients with neurological conditions.
**What you’ll study**
Our orthoptics programme is approved by the Health and C...
Orthoptists specialise in diagnosing, managing and treating eye movement disorders and visual impairments. They work alongside optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other clinicians and allied health professionals to provide the very best care to patients of all ages.<br/><br/>A degree in orthoptics from the University of Sheffield can take you in lots of directions in healthcare – from an NHS hospital or community eye clinic to a rehabilitation centre for patients with neurological conditions.<br/><br/>**What you’ll study**<br/>Our orthoptics programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and designed to give you a deep understanding of the human eye and different eye conditions. We’ll lay the groundwork, introducing you to the basic anatomy and physiology of the human eye, before going on to explore topics such as ocular misalignment (strabismus), eye movement disorders, ocular diseases and medical microbiology.<br/><br/>Throughout the course, youll work closely with patients and clinicians, developing key interpersonal skills to help you flourish in any multidisciplinary eye care team. You’ll also learn how the NHS works, and explore topics such as medical ethics and law.<br/><br/>Finally, youll put everything you’ve learnt into practice with a research project or literature search on a topic that interests you. You might have the opportunity to present your findings at a conference or have your work published in a medical journal.<br/><br/>**Hands-on clinical experience**<br/>We know how important hands-on experience is, which is why our course includes 33 weeks of clinical placement. You’ll work in orthoptic departments across the UK and Ireland, learning from the experts and spending vital time with patients with a range of eye disorders. Most often, you’ll be helping to treat children, the elderly and those with disabilities. The final year includes a two-week clinical placement in an orthoptic clinic of your choice.
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Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
29/09/2025
Campus
Main Site
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
B520
Institution Code
S18
Points of Entry
Year 1
UCAS TariffNot Accepted Scottish HigherNot Accepted Access to HE DiplomaD:24,M:21,P:0 Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme32 with 5 in a High Level sicnece subject (science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, or Psychology) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDD in Applied Science Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H2,H2,H2,H3,H3,H3 including a science subject (science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, or Psychology) GCSE/National 4/National 5GCSE Maths, English and Science grade 4/C Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD in Applied Science + B in an A Level science subject (science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics,or Psychology) Scottish Advanced HigherB in a science subject + ABBBB in Scottish Highers (science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, or Psychology) Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)B + BB at A Level including a science subject (science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, or Psychology) A levelB,B,B including a science subject (science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, or Psychology) T LevelD Distinction in the Health, Healthcare Science or Science T Level, including grade B in the core component |
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