The Student Room Group

Orthoptics 2016

Hey everybody.
Since no one has started a thread for this yet I thought I'd start it off.

As you can tell by the title, this thread is for people who want to apply for a 2016 entry for Orthoptics (including me). I hope you all use this forum to share some ideas and help each other as well as meet some fellow students you may end up studying with.

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Hi! I'm wanting to apply for optometry but orthoptics is looking like a more realistic choice now. Am I right in thinking only 2 unis in the country offer it?

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Original post by frances98
Hi! I'm wanting to apply for optometry but orthoptics is looking like a more realistic choice now. Am I right in thinking only 2 unis in the country offer it?

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hi I'm also applying, I think theres actually three: Glasgow caledonian university, university of Sheffield and university of Liverpool
Original post by EducatedFH
hi I'm also applying, I think theres actually three: Glasgow caledonian university, university of Sheffield and university of Liverpool


Yeah, on UCAS it doesn't mention Glasgow Caledonian Uni but on GCU's website it mentions the course but it's 4 years not 3 years like in Sheffield and Liverpool does anyone know why?
since most people are likely to only fill up 2/3 spaces on the ucas application for orthoptics, what else have you applied for?
Original post by EducatedFH
since most people are likely to only fill up 2/3 spaces on the ucas application for orthoptics, what else have you applied for?


Depending on my predicted grades optometry most likely as an optimistic choice

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Original post by Iqra_13_a
Yeah, on UCAS it doesn't mention Glasgow Caledonian Uni but on GCU's website it mentions the course but it's 4 years not 3 years like in Sheffield and Liverpool does anyone know why?


All undergrad degrees are 4 years in scotland

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has anyone managed to find orthoptics work experience?
Hi there!

I'm one of the student ambassadors for Orthoptics at the University of Liverpool :smile:

Is there anything in particular that you would like to know?

We have a Facebook and Twitter page (@LivUniOrthoptic) that we can be reach on and we often post about information and studies relevant to Orthoptics as well as updates from student ambassadors themselves.

We also have a Pinterest page that has lots of information relevant to Orthoptics, if you would like to know more about the subject.

Good luck with your applications! :smile:


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Original post by Livuniorthoptic
Hi there!

I'm one of the student ambassadors for Orthoptics at the University of Liverpool :smile:

Is there anything in particular that you would like to know?

We have a Facebook and Twitter page (@LivUniOrthoptic) that we can be reach on and we often post about information and studies relevant to Orthoptics as well as updates from student ambassadors themselves.

We also have a Pinterest page that has lots of information relevant to Orthoptics, if you would like to know more about the subject.

Good luck with your applications! :smile:

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Is there anything you would recommend reading or learning before uni starts (just to have a little head start)
Reply 11
Personal statement question:

I heard it's good to include that you know the difference between optometry and orthoptics in your ps, how do you clearly and usefully do this? Any ideas?

Kind of hit a mind wall.
If there are only 2 unis that off it emplyoment and demand must be low or not?
Original post by EducatedFH
Is there anything you would recommend reading or learning before uni starts (just to have a little head start)


Hi there!

Our Pinterest page has links to lots of relevant information related to areas such as anatomy, and conditions that you would come across during your studies eg strabismus, headaches, stroke, and many more!

You could also visit one of our open days to come and chat about the course and ask the staff or student ambassadros any question you might have!

Hope you find this useful!
Original post by 9836vicky
If there are only 2 unis that off it emplyoment and demand must be low or not?


The NHS decide how many places are available on the course based on how many jobs they predict will be available.

Some statistics about the course and employment rates can be found here:

http://university.which.co.uk/university-of-liverpool-l41/orthoptics-3-years-b520

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/university-liverpool-course-produces-best-9836371

It is a small, specialist profession which is reflected by the small number of courses available.

Hope you find this useful! :smile:
Original post by Migl
Personal statement question:

I heard it's good to include that you know the difference between optometry and orthoptics in your ps, how do you clearly and usefully do this? Any ideas?

Kind of hit a mind wall.


Hi Migl!

You are correct, it is good to include that you know the difference between optometry and orthoptics, in terms of being hospital based etc. but it is more important to show that you are passionate about orthoptics and have some work experience in the field.

To be able to do this to your best ability, ensure that you thoroughly research both professions and include evidence of this within your personal statement.

We have produced a guide for writing an orthoptics personal statement: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/316026098831676087/

Hope you find this helpful!
(edited 8 years ago)
Reply 16
Original post by EducatedFH
has anyone managed to find orthoptics work experience?


Hi there.
Ive managed to find work experience for Orthoptics. Rather than work experience, i'd say it was more of a one day observation.
I basically emailed an orthoptist and asked if they would allow me to observe and they set a date for me.

You dont really do much but watch. But it is fascinating! They taught me how to use prisms and how to diagnose double vision :smile:
What did everyone get in their AS (if you don't mind me asking)
Original post by EducatedFH
What did everyone get in their AS (if you don't mind me asking)


CCC in maths chem and history being predicted at least BBB. Orthoptics is my back up choice in case I can't be predicted AAB for optometry. Obviously I can't apply to Liverpool so I'm limited to 2 back up choices

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Original post by frances98
CCC in maths chem and history being predicted at least BBB. Orthoptics is my back up choice in case I can't be predicted AAB for optometry. Obviously I can't apply to Liverpool so I'm limited to 2 back up choices

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I would apply to optometry but for the universities that I want to apply to, need chemistry.

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