The Master of Orthoptics (Research) is a postgraduate research degree designed for qualified orthoptists and allied health graduates who wish to advance the field of eye care through original scholarly investigation. The degree is structured around a single thesis project undertaken across the full duration of enrolment — typically two years full-time — during which students work under the close supervision of a principal supervisor and supervisory panel to design, conduct, and report on a research project that makes an original contribution to orthoptic knowledge. Students gain advanced research training skills, develop deep expertise in a chosen area of orthoptic science, and engage with leading national and international researchers, gaining access to specialist research facilities, workshops, and university library resources.

The course is particularly suited to practising orthoptists, graduates holding a relevant health science bachelor's degree, or those with a postgraduate coursework qualification in orthoptics who wish to elevate their career. Research areas may include ocular motility disorders, paediatric eye health, neuro-ophthalmology, low vision rehabilitation, retinal disease, eye movement science, clinical measurement methodology, health policy, and Indigenous eye health equity. Orthoptics is self-regulated in Australia by the Australian Orthoptic Board, and orthoptic education is offered at only a small number of institutions — making this research pathway a rare and highly prestigious qualification. Employers of graduates from this degree include public and private hospitals, ophthalmology practices, university research departments, government health agencies, and the ophthalmic industry.

Applicants to the Master of Orthoptics (Research) are typically required to hold a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent higher qualification in orthoptics, health science, or a closely related field, along with demonstrated potential to undertake graduate research study. Some providers may require a minimum GPA (commonly around 4.0 out of 7.0 or equivalent) and evidence of prior experience in orthoptic clinical practice. Applicants may also be asked to provide a research proposal outlining their intended area of investigation, along with the names of potential supervisors willing to support the project. In many cases, admission is contingent on the availability of an appropriately qualified supervisor and sufficient research infrastructure to support the proposed topic.

For international students, or domestic applicants holding overseas qualifications, a high level of English language proficiency is required. Standard benchmarks include an Academic IELTS overall score of 7.0 with no sub-score below 7.0 in writing, or a TOEFL iBT score in the range of 94–101 with a writing sub-score of at least 27. Equivalent results from PTE Academic (65–72 overall) or Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency (185–190 overall with a writing score of 185) are also accepted by some providers. Applicants should also submit a curriculum vitae, a statement of research intent, and references from academic or clinical supervisors. Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place, as enrolment is subject to supervisor availability and institutional capacity.