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Course description

If you're interested in health care, people and particularly children then Orthoptics may be the perfect career for you.

Orthoptists work in the care and management of young patients with poor development of vision. They also work with a variety of adult patients with conditions that may include stroke, diabetes, traumatic brain injury as well as low vision, and glaucoma.

Orthoptists are usually based in hospitals, where they work in multi-disciplinary teams alongside a range of health professionals.

Glasgow Caledonian University offers the only degree course in Orthoptics in Scotland. You will be based in the department of Vision Sciences, where you'll have access to excellent clinical facilities and the unique opportunity to study alongside trainees in other eye care specialties. You will have the opportunity to undertake clinical placements in hospital eye departments from Year 1. These placements take you across the UK to experience the full range of Orthoptic practice.

Your career Studying Orthoptics is interesting and challenging and employment opportunities are excellent. The qualification is recognised worldwide.The course has been approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). When you graduate, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and for membership of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and the International and European Orthoptic Organisations.

Subjects

Orthoptics, Ophthalmology, Medicine (general and para-medical), Vision science, Ophthalmic dispensing

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher, standard entry requirements: B,B,B,C

  • to include two sciences subject from Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics to Maths.

Scottish HNC, standard entry requirements: Pass

  • HNC in Science or health related HNC with Graded Unit – B required

Don't quite have the grades?

Some courses offer minimum entry requirements, asking for fewer qualifications or lower grades for entry. Universities look at other information, such as your personal experiences and challenges.

Check the course on the university website or contact their student support services.

UCAS Code: B520

Course options

Course Type: Full-time
Details
Date: 07/09/2026 Cost: Get in touch with the course provider or visit their website for more information
Venue details

City Campus

Cowcaddens Road

Glasgow

Course provider

Glasgow Caledonian University

UCAS terms of use

Course data is provided by UCAS (see their terms of use) and is offered "as is." SDS disclaims all warranties and liabilities related to the data's accuracy to the fullest extent permitted by law."