Orthoptics: How to be a Brilliant Allied Health Professional
Course overview
Orthoptics is an allied health profession in demand worldwide, particularly in the NHS. It is considered a specialist subject, which means students in the UK are eligible for funding throughout their studies.
This three-week course will provide you with accessible knowledge and a comprehensive introduction to orthoptics.
With this understanding, you’ll be able to develop in your career as an orthoptist as you discover what the profession entails, the opportunities available, and the routes into this exciting professional world.
What does this course cover?
Understand the basics of eye anatomy and binocular vision. An orthoptist has a varied role and treats many fascinating conditions.
On the course, you’ll unpack these conditions, such as binocular vision, and learn the basics of eye anatomy to help develop your clinical skills.
Become inspired by the progressive careers of orthoptists
You’ll delve into the impressive extended roles and progressive careers of orthoptists.
Exploring the NHS bands and salaries, the continuing professional development available, and listening to what patients think, you’ll gain a large-scale picture of orthoptics to understand how you can develop within the role.
Develop crucial clinical skills alongside King’s College London
Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by the specialists at King’s College London and King’s College Hospital Optical Services.
With their expertise, you’ll finish the course with the clinical skills and knowledge to begin an exciting career in orthoptics.
What will I achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- To develop an understanding of what a career in Orthoptics is like
- To explore different routes into Orthoptics
- To demonstrate basic knowledge of eye anatomy, binocular vision, and clinical skills
- To be able to identify the fascinating conditions that Orthoptists investigate
- To describe the different career pathways and opportunities for Orthoptists
- To reflect on the profession at a national and international level
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
Who will I learn with?
Who is this for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in orthoptics and expanding their knowledge of different allied health professions.
You may be a prospective or current student, or a current orthoptist wanting to learn from other departments and organisations.
You may also be a member of the eye department and you’re interested in learning more about what orthoptists do.
Further information
Please note that you can access this course for free, but you can pay a one-off fee to have access to other benefits. More information on this can be found on the FutureLearn website.