Orthoptics BSc (Hons)
Bachelor's degree
In Liverpool
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Liverpool
The Orthoptics programme aims to develop your knowledge of how the vision system works, binocular vision involving how the eyes work together, and eye movement systems including the importance of assessing ocular motility. 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 and be a valuable member of the eye care team. The Orthoptic programme will equip a graduate with the skills to diagnose and manage conditions which may present in a range of patients from newborns to the elderly, eg strabismus (eye misalignments), amblyopia (sometimes called lazy eye), traumatic injuries, tumours, head injuries, diabetes and strokes. Throughout the three years, three themes provide the framework for student studies, in all cases linking theoretical knowledge to clinical conditions. These comprise: Orthoptic Professional Studies – this consists of modules delivering the necessary theory and clinical skills to develop a competent Orthoptist, including the physiology of vision, eye movements and binocular vision. The clinical component is delivered in part at the University but also on clinical placements. These are an essential component of the programme and take part in NHS orthoptic departments across the whole of the UK Extended Professional Studies – this theme reflects the changing role of the orthoptist, from being involved purely in strabismus (eye misalignment) to their involvement in other aspects of ophthalmology. This includes the underpinning anatomy and physiology, characteristics, investigation and management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy in both adults...
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About this course
Entry Requirements Clinical Requirements For details of full clinical and academic requirements for this course, download Orthoptics entry criteria 2017. NHS Values will be assessed in all areas of an application including UCAS Personal Statement and at interview, for more details download our explanation of Value Based Recruitment. A level offerGCE A2 Level at BBB from three A2 levels (or two A2 Levels and two AS Levels, however higher grades may be required). Biology at A level must be offered.
Higher grades may be required from resit...
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Subjects
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Management
- Options
- Credit
- Basic
- IT
- Basic IT training
- Basic IT
- Statistics
- Ethics
- Design
- Physiology
- Communication Skills
- Anatomy
- University
- Project
- Systems
- Communication Training
- IT Development
- IT Management
- Skills and Training
Course programme
In the first year, a wide range of factual knowledge and basic clinical skills are developed. The whole of Semester One is spent in the University. This enables the students to develop core knowledge and skills and, more specifically, the knowledge required to orthoptic practice in profession-specific modules to prepare them for the professional practice placement observation week occurring prior to the second semester. During the first year, students will learn about the basic principles of eye movement systems and binocular vision and be able to undertake essential orthoptic assessments.
Compulsory modules- Integrated Professional Studies (communication and Study Skills for Orthoptists) (ORTH104) Level 1 Credit level 7.5 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims
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To provide the student with the opportunity to develop:
An insight into professional communication skills and appreciate the need
and circumstances when modification of communication is necessary.
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Appropriate study skills for a range of academic work
Learning Outcomes
- Orthoptic Professional Studies 1.1 (ORTH137) Level 1 Credit level 30 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 35:65 Aims
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To provide an introduction to the basic principles of orthoptics which relate to the basic clinical examinations performed on patients with orthoptic disorders.
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To provide an introduction to professionalism, healthcare ethics, diversity and equality
Learning Outcomes
- Extended Professional Studies 1.1 (ORTH138) Level 1 Credit level 7.5 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 100:0 Aims
- To informthe student of knowledge and ensure understanding of physical and geometricoptics including thick and thin optical lenses that are fundamental toorthoptic practice
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To introduce the student to basic statistics
Learning Outcomes
Explainthe fundamental principles of physical optics
- Extended Professional Studies 1.1 (ORTH139) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 50:50 Aims
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This module aims to introduce the student to general human anatomy and physiology of the human body with the main emphasis on the ocular system (e.g. visual pathway and extraocular muscles)
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The students will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of childhood development from the embryonic stage to infancy including the principles of genetics and modes of inheritance.
Learning Outcomes
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Extended Professional Studies 1.2 (ORTH141)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
Second Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
60:40
Aims
The module seeks to provide the student with the appropriate knowledge of professionalism and health care ethics that are relevant to clinical practice, and promote an understanding of the practical application of behavioural science theory.
Learning OutcomesRecognise and understand the impact of patients learning about their health conditions and health behaviours.
Demonstrate an understanding of behavioural science theory and its application to Orthoptic professional practice.
Identify how psychology and sociology inform an understanding of health, illness and health care
Understand and describe the ethical and professional issues related to health care.
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Extended Professional Studies 1.2 (ORTH142)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
Second Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
100:0
Aims
This module aims to develop the knowledge and understanding of the normal development and structure of the eye, delivered in semester 1, with an introduction to a range of common ophthalmic problems, including the causes and the disease processes. The students will learn about both paediatric and adult conditions and the process of detection and diagnosis.
Learning OutcomesDescribe the abnormal embryological developments of the eye
Identify common ophthalmic clinical diagnoses affecting both the anterior and posterior segments
Describe the genetic development or pathological process of common ophthalmic disorders.
Describe the principles of screening for medical conditions
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate the acquisition of appropriate verbal and non-verbal behaviour and communication skills related to the context of professional practice
Recognise the need to adapt communication skills for diverse and specific patient groups
Demonstrate the effective use of study skills
Describe the basic principles of visual function, eye movements and binocular vision.
Appropriately examine aspects of visual function and ocular motility.
Describe how professionalism, ethics, diversity and equality relate to clinical practice.Explain the principle of geometric optics including reflection and refraction
Explain the optical principles of thin and thick lenses
Explain the different types of data and how data is plotted and summarised as descriptive statistics
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of human anatomy and relevant major organ systems
Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human ocular system, visual pathway and extraocular muscles.
Explain the devlelopment of the embryo to week 4 subsequently focussing on the development of eye and brain including the influence of genes.
Demonstrate an understanding of the developmental milestones within the first decade of life.
In the second year, the students learn to apply the knowledge gained in first year to a wide range of clinical scenarios. Students will continue to develop their clinical skills at the university and on clinical placement.
Throughout the second year, students will also learn essential principles for understanding and undertaking research, with the opportunity to undertake an orthoptic based clinical research project.
Compulsory modules- Orthoptic Professional Studies 2.1 (ORTH237) Level 2 Credit level 30 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 40:60 Aims
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The module develops the student''s knowledge and understanding of concomitant strabismus and amblyopia from OPS1.2.
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To introduce the student to incomitant strabismus with emphasis on the aetiology, investigation and management of myogenic and mechanical strabismus.
Learning Outcomes
- Integrated Professional Studies 2.1 (ORTH238) Level 2 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 30:70 Aims
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To develop understanding of experimental design and statistics related to healthcare and medicine.
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To develop skills in critical review of literature
Learning Outcomes
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Extended Professional Studies 2.1 (ORTH239)
Level
2
Credit level
15
Semester
First Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
100:0
Aims
In this module the students will build on their basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the eye and surrounding structures. Students will use this knowledge and apply it to the types of paediatric and adult ophthalmic disorders that an orthoptist may encounter.
Learning OutcomesBe able to describe the detailed anatomy of the skull, orbit and osteology of the skull.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the aetiology and characteristics of common paediatric and adult ophthalmic disorders.
Be able to apply knowledge and understanding of common ophthalmic disorders to differentially diagnose conditions.
- Orthoptic Professional Studies 2.2 (ORTH240) Level 2 Credit level 30 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 50:50 Aims
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The module aims to extend the student''s knowledge of concomitant strabismus from Orthoptic Professional Studies 2.1 with an emphasis on management of these conditions.
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The module aims to extend the student''s knowledge of incomitant strabismus from Orthoptic Professional Studies 2.1. The emphasis is on the aetiology, investigation and management of neurogenic conditions which affect the visual and oculomotor systems.
Learning Outcomes
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Integrated Professional Studies (ORTH241)
Level
2
Credit level
15
Semester
Second Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
80:20
Aims
- This module builds on the knowledge gained in the first semester module in research methods by undertaking a research project. This project will enable students to develop their skills in experimental design and the acquisition, handling and interpretation of data.
- One other key element of research is the ability to evaluate published literature, so this modules aims to develop the students skills in critical appraisal within the context of the Orthoptic related literature.
Demonstrate the ability to design and execute a research project
Demonstrate the ability to interpret research findings
Discuss the investigation and clinical findings of concomitant strabismus
Discuss the investigation and the application of management options to amblyopia.
Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the investigation of incomitant disorders.
Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the significance of the aetiology, investigation, findings and management of mechanical and myogenic disorders.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research design and process.
Demonstrate the ability to interpret statistical data and analysis.
Appraise scientific method and interpret results.
To analyse and apply surgical and non-surgical management options for concomitant strabismus.
To analyse the aetiology, investigation, and clinical findings of neurogenic incomitant strabismus and apply appropriate management options for these conditions.
To distinguish the differential diagnosis of neuro-ophthalmological conditions and relate these to the aetiological causes, investigative findings and relevant neuro and ocular anatomy .To examine the significance of the clinical investigations for the differential diagnosis of neurogenic, mechanical and myogenic deviations and their impact on management.
Orthoptics BSc (Hons)