Orthoptics BMedSci
2025-26 entryThis course will prepare you for an interesting and fulfilling career in orthoptics, specialising in the diagnosis and management of a range of eye conditions. It’s approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Key details
- A Levels BBB
Other entry requirements - UCAS code B520
- 3 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
Placements in orthoptic departments across the UK and Ireland give you valuable personal and professional experience. Over the three-year course you’ll spend 32 weeks on placement, learning from the experts and spending vital time with patients with a range of eye disorders.
In your final year, you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice with a research project or literature review 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.
Annual NHS grants are available for all eligible UK home students to help you with your studies, as well as funding to cover the cost of placements.
Become a specialist at diagnosing, managing and treating eye movement disorders and visual impairments.
A degree in orthoptics from the University of Sheffield can take you in so many directions in healthcare – from an NHS hospital or community eye clinic to a rehabilitation centre for patients with neurological conditions.
This orthoptics programme is 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. You’ll also learn how the NHS works, and explore topics such as medical ethics and law.
You’ll go on to work with patients and clinicians in specialist departments throughout the UK, developing the skills you need to flourish in a multidisciplinary eye care team.
Foundation courses
Mature students without standard entry qualifications can also study this course with a foundation year, which prepares them for degree-level study. For more information and entry requirements, visit Lifelong Learning.
This course is approved and accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
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: 2024, 2025
- 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 - Clinical Orthoptics
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This module introduces the clinical testing techniques, such as different aspects of vision, ocular alignment, binocular vision, ocular motility and ophthalmic tests relevant to orthoptic practice. Expertise is gained by demonstration and practice on peers and normal subjects at the University, combined with clinical placements at different hospital sites. Clinical skills practice provides an opportunity to use these techniques and apply the findings to diagnose and form a management plan for concomitant strabismus. This module incorporates development of the interpersonal communication skills for inclusive and non-discriminatory clinical practice. Working with others in a clinical setting, maintaining confidentiality and reflection on clinical skills and experiences are all introduced as part of professional clinical orthoptic 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 - Strabismus and Ocular Motility
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This module introduces the student to basic orthoptic concepts, with particular emphasis upon the investigation of normal Binocular Single Vision, the investigation, diagnosis and management of concomitant strabismus and the diagnosis and management of heterophoria. This module concentrates on investigative techniques and interpretation of findings leading to making a diagnosis and management plans. Aspects of visual perception relevant to orthoptic practice are introduced. Normal child development is introduced with an emphasis on how orthoptic assessments may need to be adapted depending on the age and ability of the child.
30 credits - Anatomy and Physiology
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This module 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 Neuroanatomy
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This module 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 the clinical appearance of the normal human eye and a number of common pathologies encountered in eye clinics.
10 credits - 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 and the organisational structure of the NHS and health policy in the UK. 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 and research. 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 introduction to screening in health care. Introduction to promoting health and preventing ill health.
10 credits
- Clinical Orthoptics
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This module introduces assessment 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 concomitant and incomitant strabismus and further develops clinical skills and application of theoretical knowledge to the practice situation. Reflective practice skills will be developed.
20 credits - Strabismus and Ocular Motility
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This module introduces the student to basic orthoptic concepts, with particular emphasis upon the investigation of normal Binocular Single Vision, the investigation, diagnosis and management of concomitant strabismus and the diagnosis and management of heterophoria. This module concentrates on investigative techniques and interpretation of findings leading to making a diagnosis and management plans. Aspects of visual perception relevant to orthoptic practice are introduced. Normal child development is introduced with an emphasis on how orthoptic assessments may need to be adapted depending on the age and ability of the child.
30 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 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 - Clinical Optics and Ophthalmology
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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 be competent with the methods of investigation and to be able to describe the clinical appearance of the normal human eye.
30 credits - Pathology and Microbiology
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To develop an understanding of the causes, mechanisms and effects of ocular tumours and non-ocular tumours affecting the eyes. To develop knowledge of management and prognosis of tumours, in particular ocular types.
10 credits - Research Methods and Statistics
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This module introduces the basic principles of research methods and statistical analysis. It includes how to conduct scientific literature searches, critically evaluate a research paper, develop a research question, how to design an experiment and awareness of what to include in a research protocol. Basic statistical methods and statistical analysis are introduced.
10 credits
- Ophthalmology, Investigation and Management
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To develop the ability to identify and describe the clinical characteristics and management of relevant ophthalmic disorders and general ophthalmic conditions applicable to the orthoptists scope of practice. Students are taught investigative procedures, examination techniques and disease recognition and practice given on peers and on patients.
10 credits - Clinical Orthoptics
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This module consolidates application of theoretical knowledge to clinical situations and further improves clinical skills in all aspects of orthoptic work. It enables further improved reflective skills and understanding of the value of evidence based practice.
30 credits - Research Project
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This module requires a student to independently conduct an empirical research project. The project involves converting a hypothesis into an experimental design, developing a project protocol, obtaining ethical approval, conducting a well controlled experiment, and analysis of the experiment data using appropriate descriptive statistics and graphical presentation. A presentation of preliminary experiment findings is given. The write up of the experiment must be written in such a manner that it can be replicated and understood by the readers.
30 credits - Strabismus and Ocular Motility
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The strabismus and ocular motility module will deepen the understanding of binocular 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. Demonstrate knowledge of neurological conditions affecting visual function and how the conditions are diagnosed, clinical characteristics, and managed from an ocular perspective.
30 credits - Sale, Supply and Administration of Medicinal Products
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This 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.
20 credits
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.
Learning and assessment
Learning
You will learn through hands-on clinical placements in orthoptic departments across the country, as well as lectures, seminars, and practical classes. You will be supported by experienced teachers and orthoptists both at the University and on 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 + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- 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
- T Level
- Distinction in the Health, Healthcare Science or Science T Level, including grade B in the core component
- 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
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Science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology
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GCSE Maths, English and Science grade 4/C
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBC
including a science subject
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- 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
- T Level
- Distinction in the Health, Healthcare Science or Science T Level, including grade B in the core component
- 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
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Science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology
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GCSE Maths, English and Science grade 4/C
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 school/department.
Graduate careers
Orthoptics is a fantastic field for graduates, with plenty of opportunities to specialise or progress.
Most of our graduates have gone on to work in eye departments in the NHS. Alternatively, you might choose to work in an orthoptic clinic in a private hospital, health centre or school for children with special needs. The course also provides an excellent foundation for future postgraduate research in orthoptics and related fields.
The Sheffield BMedSci in Orthoptics is recognised worldwide. Graduates have worked in New Zealand, Australia, the USA, the 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. You might end up taking on a specialist role involving ocular assessment, diagnosis and treatment in fields such as low vision, stroke and neuro-rehabilitation, vision screening, and ocular diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.
School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery
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.
School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery
The School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery sits in the Faculty of Health and brings together expertise from across three core areas: human communication sciences, nursing and midwifery, and orthoptics.
We aim to train compassionate, resilient and highly skilled healthcare professionals and support them throughout their working lives. We work closely with organisations such as the Royal College of Nursing, the Department of Health and Social Care, and the Health and Care Professions Council to make sure our teaching meets the needs of the NHS workforce. This means that we're ideally placed to offer you high-quality courses, informed by the latest health-related research.
If you study with us, you’ll join a diverse and supportive community, led by passionate teachers, clinicians and researchers who help students fulfil their ambitions. We're dedicated to nurturing students' talents and upholding the highest standards of excellence and professionalism.
We provide an excellent study environment for health professionals across our main campus. We have a close relationship with the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, which is home to our dedicated Health Sciences Library and high-quality clinical teaching and research spaces.
Our students also benefit from our internationally recognised Patients as Educators programme, which allows students to learn from real patients.
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
Our relationship with the Royal Hallamshire Hospital eye department means that students get to learn within a state-of-the-art clinical teaching environment. Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a large range of clinical tests required for orthoptic assessments.
Our optics room is the location for investigations into the nature of light and the teaching of clinical visual optics such as the fundamentals of static and dynamic retinoscopy, the use of slit lamps and focimetry.
The vision science room is a clinical research space equipped with a range of clinical orthoptic tests, as well as an autorefractor, pupilometer, focimeter and a PlusoptiX photorefractor.
The Eye Movement Room is primarily used for research projects. The room houses a high-resolution Eyelink 1000+ eye movement recorder.
School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity rankings
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report
A top-100 university: 12th in the UK and 98th in the world
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
Student profiles
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
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
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 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 2030
- ahpnm-enquiries@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.