You get to see many different possible extended roles on placement

“I’ve just started my third year of Orthoptics at the University of Sheffield. So far I’ve been on quite a few placements, and they’ve all taught me various things.

“Placements are a good way of consolidating my theory and putting it into practice. They give me plenty of opportunities to see real life patients with actual problems, allowing the theoretical and practical sides of the course to merge.

“We usually go for placements in four week blocks. The first week is usually spent getting to know the whole department and how they work as a team. It’s really useful as it gets me into the rhythm of things in that department and gives me time to get used to doing the clinical tests again after not doing them for a long time.

“By the second week, things are usually smooth sailing and from the second year onwards we often get to see patients by ourselves. Having the opportunity to do a case history, do the various tests and figure out what is affecting the patient is extremely useful as it trains you for the real life of an orthoptist once you graduate.

Tutors on placements are also extremely nice and helpful; they’re always ready to help with anything you need during your time there. They’re there to guide you and fill in any gaps in your knowledge, helping me become a better orthoptist for sure!

Shasshen L

BMedSci Orthoptics

"It’s also useful seeing various orthoptists on placement as it gives me the chance to pick up tips and tricks from different people to add to my own rotation. 

“Another good thing about placement is that you get to see many different possible extended roles such as glaucoma, low vision aid or stroke clinics. 

“Apart from the academic side of placements, they are also great when it comes to exploring the country! Our placements are spread out all across the country, which has given me the opportunity to travel and go to places I would not have gone to otherwise. So far, I’ve been to Leeds, Scunthorpe, Burton-on-Trent, Cambridge and Eastbourne. It’s nice to have the weekends to explore these different areas. On my last placement in Eastbourne, I spent the weekends going on hikes and to the beach. As Brighton was only a short 40 minute train ride away, I also had the chance to visit Brighton which was amazing! 

“All in all, Orthoptics is a great course to study. When I graduate, I’m leaning towards specialising in glaucoma, or studying a masters in public health, but honestly the degree has many opportunities in terms of career progression.”