In Year 1, you will learn about the visual system, optics, foundation and complex orthoptics, paediatric ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology.
In Year 2, modules will cover research methods and statistics, broader ophthalmology, sale and supply of medicinal products specific to orthoptics and clinical placements. You will enhance your research skills through a library-based research project on a topic related to orthoptic/ophthalmic practice.
You will be paired with a clinical or clinical academic mentor so you can discuss what you are learning and experiencing in your clinical placement with an expert working in the field.
On completing the course, graduates should expect to apply for new-graduate Orthoptic posts. Most roles include a 12-month preceptorship, which allows newly-qualified Orthoptists to practice autonomously, but with robust support structures in place to support their early development as clinicians.
UCL Orthoptics graduates have a strong track record of securing jobs across the UK and are well-placed to use the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to develop their careers as desired.
This course is designed to equip students with the requisite knowledge and skill to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Orthoptist. Graduates will likely undertake a career in Orthoptics, and will be primed to undertake extended clinical roles and/or pursue further training to undertake a clinical academic career. Many students go on to work in the NHS.
100% of our 2025/26 graduates secured employment as Orthoptists within six months of UCL Results Day (Institute of Ophthalmology Orthoptics network records).
The two-year, full-time Orthoptics pre-registration MSc course provides a fast-track route to theoretical knowledge and clinical training underpinning professional registration and practice as an autonomous Orthoptist with approval by the Health and Care Professions Council.