
Orthoptics BMedSci
Division of Ophthalmology and Orthoptics, Health Sciences School
Explore this course:
You are viewing this course for 2024-25 entry. 2023-24 entry is also available.
Key details
- A Levels BBB
Other entry requirements - UCAS code B520
- 3 years / Full-time
- September start
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
Course description

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 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.
Throughout the course, you'll 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.
Finally, you'll 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.
Hands-on clinical experience
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.
Modules
A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: B520
Years: 2022, 2023
Core modules:
- Clinical Orthoptics
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This unit introduces the clinical testing techniques required to assess ocular alignment, binocular vision and ocular motility. Expertise is gained by demonstration and practice on normal subjects at the University. Clinical skills practice provides an opportunity to use these techniques and apply the findings to diagnose and form a management plan for concomitant. This subject also incorporates development of the interpersonal skills for clinical practice.
20 credits - Optics
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To introduce the student to the principles of geometric and physical optics, with particular reference to the eye.
20 credits - Participation and Society
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This module aims to introduce students to issues related to understanding persons as individuals, and as members of society. Content includes: theoretical models of disability; psychosocial impact of disability across the lifespan; concepts of self and identity; concepts of attitudes and their measurement; health beliefs and behaviours and the role of gender, socioeconomic and cultural factors in healthcare and education. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, attitudes and interpersonal skills in the context of their impact on interactions with clients, their families and other professionals.
20 credits - Strabismus
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To introduce the student to basic orthoptic concepts, with particular emphasis upon the investigation of normal Binocular Single Vision, the investigation diagnosis and management of concomitant stabismus and the diagnosis and management of heterophoria. This Unit concentrates on investigative techniques and interpretation of findingsleading to diagnsis and management plans.
20 credits - Anatomy and Physiology
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This unit covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body. It provides an overview of how the normal body functions giving a basis for understanding what happens when something goes wrong.
10 credits - Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience
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This unit gives detailed anatomy and physiology of structures and functions of the eye and brain. It provides the detail of the function of the eyes and their neural control. It introduces a number of common pathologies encountered in eye clinics.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Introductory Pathology and Microbiology
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To develop an understanding of:
20 credits
- causes, mechanisms and effects of disease processes in general
- diseases affecting the eye and its function in particular
- medical microbiology and it's impact on health and safety
- infection control. - Associated Professional Studies
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The associated professional studies forms a compulsory part of the BMedSci (Hons) orthoptic degree. It is divided into two parts: Professional ethics taught in the Autumn semester and the organisational structure of the NHS and health policy in the UK in the Spring semester. Professional ethics provide awareness and discussion of medical ethics, law and appropriate professional behaviour as a health care professional including wider issues affecting clinical practice, research and appropriate use of social media. The organisational structure of the NHS and health policy in the UK introduces students to management structures and practices within the national health service and an appraisal of a screening service.
20 credits - Clinical Orthoptics
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This unit introduces testing techniques related to incomitant strabismus and competence is achieved by demonstration and practising these skills at the University. The clinical placement element provides experience of testing incomitant deviations and further develops clinical skills and application of theoretical knowledge to the practice situation.
20 credits - Clinical Visual Optics
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To develop an awareness of the clinical characteristics of refractive errors, and their effect on vision, and to use objective and subjective methods of refracting patients. This understanding is related to the clinical content of the course, in order to enhance the role of the orthoptist within a multi-disciplinary team.
20 credits - Electrodiagnosis
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Principles of measurement and, in particular the principles behind recording electrophysiological signals from the visual system. Practical techniques of data collection with particular reference to EOG, ERG and VEP
20 credits - Strabismus and Ocular Motility
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The strabismus and ocular motility unit will further the understanding of basic orthoptic concepts, binocular single vision, concomitant strabismus and heterophoria. Knowledge of the investigation, diagnosis and management of ocular motility defects and disorders of accommodation and convergence will be developed.
20 credits - Visual Optics
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To develop an awareness of the clinical characteristics of refractive errors, and their effect on vision, and to use objective and subjective methods of refracting patients. To consider the nature of clour vision, low vision aids, illumination and the spectral sensitivity of the human eye. This understanding is related to the clinical content of the course, in order to enhance the role of the orthoptist within a multi-disciplinary team.
20 credits
Core modules:
- Clinical Orthoptics
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To consolidate application of theoretical knowledge to clinical situations and further improve clinical skills in all aspects of orthoptic work. To improve reflective skills and understand the value of evidence based practice.
20 credits - Ophthalmology
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To develop awareness of the clinical characteristics and management of ophthalmic disorders and general ophthalmic conditions. Students are taught with investigative procedures and instrumental techniques and practice given on each other and on patients in clinic.
20 credits - Paediatric Neurology
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To develop an awareness of developmental disorders and birth disorders and their effects.
20 credits - Pathology
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To build and expand previous knowledge on disease processes, focussing on specific eye conditions with a more in depth understanding of their development treatment and outcome.
20 credits - Research Project
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To convert a hypothesis in to an experimental design based on a thorough literature review. Write this as an Experimental Protocol. Submission of proposed experiment to Ethics. Conduct an experiment that is a valid test of a hypothesis. Conduct a well-controlled experiment. Tabulate and graph the data using appropriate descriptive statistics and graphical means. Analyze the data with the appropriate statistical tests to check whether the experimental hypothesis is supported. To write up the experiment in a clear manner such that it could be replicated and be understood by reasonably informed reader. Students also give a presentation of their research to their peers in the December of year 3.
20 credits - Strabismus and Ocular Motility
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The strabismus and ocular motility unit will deepen the understanding of binocular single vision, strabismus and ocular motility defects, with specific emphasis on more complex ocular motility disorders. Knowledge of the investigation, diagnosis and management of these disorders will be further developed with insight into current research.
20 credits - Sale, Supply and Administration of Medicinal Products
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This new subject area will facilitate practice in the area of prescription only and non-prescription exemption listed medicines for Orthoptists, by enhancing knowledge of the pharmacokinetics and actions of these specific medicines. It will advance learning and understanding of the different non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches to modifying disease and inform students of the potential for adverse effects and how to minimise them. Students will be enabled to apply the principles of evidence-based practice including clinical and cost-effectiveness. These areas of knowledge and understanding will enable graduates to be annotated on the register with the Health and Care Professionals Council, to use exemptions to sell, supply and administer specific listed medicines for any condition within their scope of practice.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
You will learn through lectures, independent study and clinical placements.
Assessment
You will be assessed by exams, coursework and practical tasks.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBB
including a science subject
A Levels + additional qualifications BBC, including B in a science subject + B in a relevant EPQ; BBC, including B in a science subject + B in Core Maths (not applicable if Maths is taken at A Level)
International Baccalaureate 32, with 5 in a Higher Level science subject
BTEC Extended Diploma DDD in Applied Science
BTEC Diploma DD in Applied Science + B in an A Level science subject
Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher ABBBB + B in a science subject
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + BB, including a science subject
Access to HE Diploma Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit
Other requirements-
GCSE Maths, English and Science grade 4/C
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Science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, or Physics
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBC
including B in a science subject
A Levels + additional qualifications BBC, including B in a science subject + B in a relevant EPQ; BBC, including B in a science subject + B in Core Maths (not applicable if Maths is taken at A Level)
International Baccalaureate 31, with 5 in a Higher Level science subject
BTEC Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science
BTEC Diploma DD in Applied Science + C in an A Level science subject
Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher BBBBB + B in a science subject
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + BC, including B in a science subject
Access to HE Diploma Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 15 at Distinction and 30 at Merit
Other requirements-
GCSE Maths, English and Science grade 4/C
-
Science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, or Physics
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Division of Ophthalmology and Orthoptics, Health Sciences School

Ophthalmology and Orthoptics is a vibrant teaching and research active department. We're dedicated to nurturing students' talents and upholding the core values of the NHS in supporting the highest standards of excellence and professionalism. Our practical teaching and research facilities are excellently equipped to perform clinical and non-clinical based research.
We're part of the University's Health Sciences School in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health. Our relationship with the Royal Hallamshire Hospital eye department means that orthoptic students learn within a high-quality clinical teaching environment. Orthoptic students will also work in orthoptic departments across the UK and Ireland, to build on communication skills and develop the practical skills needed to start their career.
Facilities
We have excellent orthoptic teaching and clinical facilities within the Medical School. Our students get to use our state-of-the-art facilities which includes a clinical research space equipped with a large range of clinical tests required for orthoptic assessments.
Health Sciences SchoolWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A top 100 university
QS World University Rankings 2023
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
A top 10 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2022, High Fliers report
Division of Ophthalmology and Orthoptics, Health Sciences School
The Complete University Guide 2022
Orthoptics BMedSci
Complete University Guide 2021
Graduate careers
Your career prospects as an orthoptist are excellent as it’s a field with plenty of opportunities to specialise or progress. Most of our graduates secure a position in the NHS soon after graduation. You might choose to work in an orthoptic clinic in a hospital, health centre or school for children with special needs. An Orthoptics degree from the University of Sheffield is recognised worldwide – graduates have worked in New Zealand, Australia, USA, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Malta, Cypress, Denmark and Gibraltar.
The course also provides an excellent foundation for future postgraduate study both within research and advanced clinical practice in orthoptics and related fields. We offer two postgraduate distance learning courses, a Masters in Vision and Strabismus specifically aimed at orthoptists and an Ophthalmology Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) in Paediatrics. We also offer excellent PhD opportunities.
Orthoptists can progress into more senior positions and clinical management as their clinical experience develops. You might end up taking on a specialist role involving ocular assessment, diagnosis and treatment in fields such as paediatrics, low vision, stroke and neuro-rehabilitation, vision screening, and ocular diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.
Division of Ophthalmology and Orthoptics, Health Sciences School
Our graduates work in orthoptic clinics in hospitals, health centres and schools for children with special needs. Others go on to postgraduate research in orthoptics and related fields. We offer a distance learning Masters in Vision and Strabismus specifically aimed at orthoptists and offer excellent PhD opportunities.
This orthoptics degree is recognised worldwide. Graduates have worked in New Zealand, Australia, USA, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Malta, Cypress, Denmark and Gibraltar.
Orthoptists can progress into more senior positions and clinical management as their clinical experience develops. Many orthoptists also take on one or more specialist role which may involve ocular assessment, diagnosis and treatment in example Low Vision, Stroke and neuro-rehabilitation, Vision Screening, and ocular diseases such as Glaucoma, Age Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy and Cataract.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Additional funding
NHS Learning Support Fund
If you are a UK (Home) student on our Orthoptics course you can apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund to help support your studies, which you won’t need to pay back.
This includes a training grant of £5,000 per academic year plus an additional £1,000 payment (due to Orthoptics being a specialist subject), money back for clinical placement travel costs, as well as extra funding for students with dependent children or those facing hardship.
Visit us
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If we consider offering you a place, we'll invite you to a virtual interview, usually between December and March. The interview will be conducted by academic and clinical staff. An awareness and commitment to the core values of the NHS will form part of the assessment in the interview. There will be an opportunity to meet current students and staff and a tour of our facilities at our offer holder days following the interview.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 5540
Email: orth-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.