Orthoptics BSc (Hons)

Our Orthoptics programme will equip a graduate with the necessary skills to diagnose and manage conditions which may present in a range of patients from infants to the elderly.

These can include strabismus disorders (eye misalignments), amblyopia (sometimes called lazy eye), traumatic injuries, tumours, head injuries, diabetes and strokes.

In addition, you will focus on the fundamentals of the nervous system, neuro-anatomy and physiology, and where it relates to the practice of orthoptics.

This background knowledge will enable a graduate orthoptist to perform as a competent and reflective practitioner, capable of becoming a valuable member of an eye care team.

In year one, a wide range of factual knowledge and basic clinical skills are developed. The whole of semester one is spent in the University. This enables you to develop core knowledge and skills and more specifically the knowledge required to undertake orthoptic practice via profession-specific modules. This provides preparation for the professional practice placement observation week which occurs prior to the second semester. During year one, you will learn about the basic principles of eye movement systems and binocular vision, be able to undertake essential orthoptic assessments and have a total of seven weeks clinical placement.

• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Numeracy skills
• Science acumen
• Research gathering
• Observational skills

All students applying to the University of Liverpool must demonstrate that they are competent in the use of the English language and satisfy the University’s requirements. The qualifications on our Undergraduate and Postgraduate pages are accepted by the University and are considered to satisfy a minimum of CEFR B2 level in each component (speaking, writing, listening and reading). This is the minimum level acceptable for degree level study in order to secure a visa to enter the UK via Student Route.

For more information about the University's responsibility for assessing English Language ability, download our Liverpool English vouching document.

All international students should apply to the University of Liverpool through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You will find full details about applying through UCAS in our undergraduate section.

Please note that all undergraduate courses start in September; we do not offer January entry.

Students in the UK study for 13 years prior to acceptance into University, which can be different to other countries around the world.  

Compulsory education and training in the UK ends at the age of 18, most students prior to this will study for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations and then go on to study A-Level (or equivalent) for two years which allow for direct entry to university.

Other countries around the world study for one year less at high school and spend an extra year in Higher Education. This means that degrees are shorter and often more specialised from the beginning in the UK, than in other countries.  If this is your case, you will need to complete a foundation programme at the University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) prior to commencing your undergraduate degree programme at the University of Liverpool.