Clinical Vision Science (MSc)
Build clinical and research skills in the assessment and treatment of vision disorders.
Why choose this program?
In partnership with the IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie’s Clinical Vision Science Program provides a strong foundation in the vision sciences for those interested in the profession of orthoptics and ophthalmic medical technology.
This program combines classroom learning with hands‑on clinical experience. We deliver the program in partnership with the IWK Health Centre, where you’ll learn in real clinical settings and work with interdisciplinary eye‑care teams.
You’ll build a strong foundation in clinical vision science while completing supervised practica and a research thesis. This approach helps you apply theory to practice and develop skills that support both clinical and research‑focused careers.
Careers
Dal’s Clinical Vision Science program is uniquely positioned within Canada because it is delivered in partnership with the IWK Health Centre and is the only Canadian program that can certify graduates in both orthoptics and ophthalmic medical technology. This immediately positions graduates for specialized, in‑demand clinical roles.
There is a shortage of orthoptic professionals, both in Canada and worldwide, especially in the pediatric field. Graduates work in health care, education, medical environments, research, and public or pharmaceutical sectors.
Program options
This program offers two streams of study:
- Requires completion of all core coursework (45 credit hours) and extended clinical practica (12 credit hours).
- Includes a research thesis in an area of vision science.
- Provides a concurrent Graduate Diploma in Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Medical Technology upon completion of academic and clinical requirements.
- Designed to prepare students for both clinical practice and research careers, including potential progression to doctoral studies.
This stream is embedded within the MSc structure but acts as a non‑thesis exit option.
- Students complete all coursework and practical clinical training required for orthoptic/OMT certification.
- Does NOT require a thesis (students complete all academic and clinical components except VISC 9000 thesis research).
- Intended for students seeking a clinical‑focused career without the research requirement.
- Students must apply to the MSc program, but may choose to exit with the Graduate Diploma once all non‑thesis requirements are satisfied.
This program offers:
Classroom‑based vision science courses
Laboratory training
Supervised clinical practica
Independent research and thesis
Concurrent Graduate Diploma in Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Medical Technology
Students may complete coursework and practica and graduate with the Graduate Diploma without completing the thesis.
All graduate programs at Dalhousie are collaboratively delivered by a home Faculty and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Admission requirements
You'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements as well as any program-specific admission requirements before you can apply.
The next deadline to apply for this program is March 1 for a September start.
Program-specific requirements
This program requires you to meet the following criteria:
A bachelor’s degree with honours or a four‑year bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum B average (GPA 3.0)
At least one undergraduate course in the following is recommended:
- human anatomy
- neuroscience
- neuroanatomy
- psychology
- physiology
- biology
- biochemistry
- physics
- statistics
You'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies English language proficiency requirements before you can apply.
Admission decisions also consider letters of reference, letter of intent and CV.
Financial information
Questions about tuition and fees? Contact Student Accounts.
Email student.accounts@dal.ca or phone 902-494-3998.
