
In addition to the roles of the ophthalmologist and the optician (responsible for selling glasses and other corrective devices), there is the orthoptist, a healthcare professional who evaluates and treats, where possible, with rehabilitative techniques (without medications or surgical interventions, which remain the domain of the ophthalmologist), major eye diseases (such as strabismus or low vision) and assists the ophthalmologist in the diagnosis and therapy of ocular pathologies. Therefore, the course will allow you to learn not only the fundamental notions of basic sciences (such as biology, anatomy, and physiology) but also specific knowledge regarding vision and the motor and sensory disorders that affect it. You will have the opportunity to enter the job market by practicing the profession in both public and private facilities (including centers for the visually impaired and optical centers), even as a freelancer.
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Characteristics and objectives
The aim of the Course is to form health care operators who will diagnose and treat the motility and sensory dysfunctions of the ocular system using semeiology techniques and diagnostic ophthalmological instruments and performing specific ophthalmologic surgery assistance. The competence of the board certificated Orthoptist and Assistant in Ophthalmology concern particularly the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of strabismus, amblyopia, and low-vision.
At the end of the Course students will be knowledgeable in orthoptic and ophthalmology physiopathology, and will need to demonstrate relations and speaking skills.
The Orthoptist and Assistant in Ophthalmology is responsible for the organization, planning and quality control of the professional acts performed in the range of her/his duties.
Occupational opportunities
The Orthoptist and Assistant in Ophthalmology will have job opportunities in several structures of the National and Regional Health System that scheduled this professional figure in their organic, in private practice structures operating within the national health service, such as health care Offices, rehabilitation Centers, specialized Clinics, professional Offices, low-vision rehabilitation Centers, as an employed or private professional.
From Bachelor's degree to Master's degree
The three-years Degree Course will give the access to the Magistral Course in Sciences of Rehabilitation of Professional Health according with the modalities described in the specific announcement.