The Discipline of Orthoptics within the Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, has moved into new, purpose built premises at 100 Broadway, Chippendale on the southern fringe of the city’s CBD.
Spaces have been designed to simulate clinical environments and technology installed so that, with permission, patient examinations can be live streamed
The move, the second within just five years, co-locates orthoptics with the disciplines of pharmacy, clinical psychology, physiotherapy, speech pathology, genetic counselling and indigenous health. There is additional space in the building for a further two disciplines in the future.
Photo courtesy of Grant Turner, Mediakoo
At an opening event sponsored by Humanware, Device Technologies and Glaukos, Professor Kathryn Rose, Head of Discipline (Orthoptics) at the Graduate School of Health, said the Discipline was on an upward trajectory in terms of facilities and location. In just six years it has moved from Lidcome to Level 13, building one at UTS, and now to 100 Broadway.
From Strength to Strength
Professor Rose reported that enrolments for the Discipline of Orthoptics continue to grow and 58 Masters of Orthoptics students recently graduated from 2018.
Additionally, the Discipline recently “passed with flying colours” a mandatory five yearly course review which aims to ensure a strong curriculum that is well aligned with the various quality frameworks and strategies of the UTS.
As further evidence of its strength, Professor Rose advised that the graduate attributes and course intended learning outcomes for the Discipline of Orthoptics have been chosen by the UTS as exemplars for the University. She thanked and congratulated her staff who have contributed to this success.
Designed for Collaboration
Professor Rose said the purpose built space within the Graduate School of Health’s AU$2 billion building that sits opposite the university’s Ultimo campus, was designed to meet the unique needs of ophthalmic clinics and orthoptic teaching and to encourage collaboration. Split over two levels (eight and nine), it offers designated teaching clinics, integrated spaces that include a suite of orthoptic and ophthalmic clinic rooms, research rooms and an electrophysiology facility, a post graduate lounge, as well as a staff kitchen and meeting place.
Spaces have been designed to simulate clinical environments and technology installed so that, with permission, patient examinations can be live streamed.
A public facing clinic, which takes the entirety of level seven at 100 Broadway will be used by a range of disciplines within the Graduate School of Health.
In a nod to the traditional land owners, Professor Rose said Aboriginal themes have been incorporated in the interior design, such as light fittings in reception areas which reflect the nets once used for fishing by Aboriginal people in the local area.
