Degree Programme

Studying Orthoptics in Salzburg

The Orthoptics degree programme guarantees professional authorisation to legally practice as an orthoptist. Orthoptists are experts in the field of detecting and treating functional eye diseases and their consequences.

They take care of people from all age groups, who suffer from vision disorders, squints, amblyopia and ocular motility disorders, nystagmus and visual impairment.

By using preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative measures under a doctor’s order, orthoptists influence the negative impacts on the visual system and the quality of life of the person suffering from them.

The education concept is based on sound vocational training with high decision-making competence, which is supported by scientific, socio-communicative and “problem solving competencies”. The aim is to cultivate an assured vocational competence, thus developing a reflective intern.

Vocational training is given in SALK – non-profit clinics in Salzburg (Salzburger Landeskliniken) – and through external internship positions throughout Austria.

Student requirements:

• interest in medicine and natural sciences
• well-developed communicative and social competence
• sensitivity
• ability to work in a team
• ability to reflect
• power of observation
• good eyesight
• flexibility and mobility
• basic knowledge of the IT field

The curriculum is designed at various levels (introduction, deeper understanding, professionalisation) depending on the degree of complexity of the knowledge given.

1^st year: Introduction

Introduction to relevant fundamental medical and social contents of related sciences and basics of orthoptics.

2^nd year: Deeper understanding

Imparting in-depth functional and methodological knowledge, abilities and skills in the classic activity fields of orthoptics.

3^rd year: Professionalisation

Professionalisation and specialisation in a few limited cases in complex and interdisciplinary activity fields of orthoptics.

Socio-communicative skills and self-competence of students are constantly cultivated and refined throughout the course. This is also applicable to scientific and strategic competency building. Two bachelor theses need to be written in the 4^th and 6^th semester.

Internships:

Internships are planned as a series of shorter internship phases from the 1^st to the 6^th semester. Internships in various fields of orthoptic applications are provided in Salzburger Landeskliniken, starting from the 3^rd semester. They are also provided through external internship positions throughout Austria, starting from the 4^th semester. Students can also opt for internship positions abroad.

The total duration of internships is 30 weeks. The internships give students the opportunity to plan, execute and evaluate more and more processes involved in orthoptics, independently and led by theory, based on participative observations and under professional supervision and reflection.