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Orthoptics

As reflective practitioners, orthoptists take a value-based and holistic approach that’s interdisciplinary, team oriented, and centered on people, patient and community.

Interested in visual disorders and eye care? Want a career that combines diagnostic, technical and therapeutic skills? St. Kate’s orthoptics major and certification prepares you to care for children with visual disorders and adults with eye muscle problems.

As an orthoptist, you will serve on an eye-care team led by a pediatric or neuro-ophthalmologist — and perform sensorimotor examinations and suggest treatment options. You may also be involved with implementing non-surgical treatment plans and providing follow-up care. Learn more about the field of orthoptics »

Eye care leader

St. Kate’s orthoptics major is one of a kind. It’s the only program in the United States where you can earn a Bachelor of Science degree and get ready for the Certified Orthoptist (C.O.) exam administered by the American Orthoptic Council. Most other programs require you to first complete a bachelor's degree, then a 24-month orthoptics curriculum sponsored by a clinic.

At St. Kate’s, orthoptics is a 4 1/2 year program that includes clinical experiences and a residency. We also offer a two-year ophthalmic technician program — the first in Minnesota.

Accredited, well-rounded curriculum

Our curriculum is accredited by the American Orthoptic Council and deeply rooted in the liberal arts (which teaches you to think big picture) and Catholic Social Teaching (to respect and help others). In addition to rigorous courses in optics, ocular motility, eye care pharmacology and instrument maintenance, you must enroll in physics, human anatomy, physiology, statistics and philosophy/ethics.

We also require the “Lifespan Developmental Psychology” course, which addresses how genetics and the environment affect mental and overall health.Our goal is to prepare you to become an integral part of any eye-care team.

Flexible program

St. Kate’s orthoptics major is versatile. You can start at the beginning, transfer into it or complete the bachelor's degree if you are already an ophthalmic technician or currently in an ophthalmic technician program.

Classroom to career

St. Kate’s students are eligible to take the national American Orthoptic Council certifying exam in the summer/fall of their graduation year. Our dedicated faculty, with certified orthoptic credentials themselves, will mentor you through each required step for becoming an orthoptist.

Orthoptics is a specialized profession that is both intellectually challenging and rewarding. There is currently a national shortage so job opportunities are promising.

Impressive eye care lab

Our student lab is outfitted with a variety of modern eye care equipment to prepare you for the real world. These include fully equipped eye exam lanes with computerized vision charts, slit lamps, teaching arm, a synoptophore, a Lancaster Red-Green test, Keratometers, Lensometers, automated and manual visual field perimeters, and hand-held instruments that are used on a daily basis in eye clinics.

The lab is also well stocked with eye patches, lenses, contact lenses and prisms. We have a mock operating suite as well for practicing aseptic techniques.

Long-standing healthcare reputation

St. Kate’s approach to healthcare education — interdisciplinary, relationship centered and community based — embraces emerging concepts of healthcare delivery. Our orthoptics program is part of the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, which is home to more than 20 professional and pre-professional healthcare programs — and 900 clinical training partners throughout the Twin Cities.

This means you have opportunities to participate in many community work and learning projects, and increasing your chances of impressing a prospective employer.

Faculty experts

Our faculty are captivating teachers, active researchers and influential members of professional organizations. Assistant Professor Lisa Rovick, for example, has received the coveted Lancaster Medal from the American Association of Certified Orthoptists. The lifetime award recognizes an orthoptist’s outstanding contribution to the field.

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