Master in Vision Sciences - Visual Impairment and Rehabilitation (English) - Université de Montréal

Overview

About this program

Study vision science in English

Are you interested in helping people living with total or partial visual impairment while pursuing your studies in English? UdeM is the only Canadian university that offers a Master’s in visual impairment and rehabilitation. With this training program, offered entirely in English, you will be able to provide rehabilitation services to people living with visual impairment, while also engaging in applied and clinical research. The Visual Impairment and Rehabilitation Option of the Master’s in Vision Science is intended for individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy, psychology, social work or any other counselling or health-related field.

In addition to providing rehabilitation services directly with individual clients, you will develop skills to educate the public about visual impairments and propose accommodations to improve accessibility in public places and social settings for people living with visual impairment. With internships that can be done around the world, this is an exciting opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with people or who are looking for a quick change in their career pathway.

The program is also offered in French. Refer to the Master's in Vision Science (MSc) program description for more information on the visual impairment rehabilitation and clinical intervention and research options available in the French program.

Options

Therapy for Visual Impairments

The focus of this option is to train clinicians working with the visually impaired, as well as to promote applied and clinical research in this area.

Note that the option you are interested in may not be offered during the session for which you wish to apply.

Advantages of studying optometry at UdeM
Specialize in rehabilitation services for the visually impaired in English

Be part of UdeM’s School of Optometry, a renowned leader in education and research in vision science, eye health, and visual impairment rehabilitation
Register to sit the exam of the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals to obtain international certification
Take advantage of the opportunity to contribute to the AIDE (access, inclusion, diversity and equity) principle
Discover UdeM’s vision clinic that brings together a number of specialized clinics
Thrive in an open and stimulating learning and research environment
Do internships here or around the world as of the first session

Courses and specifics

For contact information on the program director or student file management technician, or to find out more about the faculty or department hosting the program, please see the page in French.

45 credits
Full-time
Day course
Without dissertation or thesis track

Take a look at some topics covered.

IDV 6003Fundamentals of Orientation & Mobility

Fundamentals in the acquisition of movement skills. An introduction to the principles of concept development, spatial orientation, and environmental analysis related to independent travel by individuals who are visually impaired.

IDV 6004Intervention Strategies in Orientation & Mobility

Functional assessment and analysis of travel needs, developing individual rehabilitation programs and intervention strategies that are pertinent to the client population at large.

IDV 6007AInternship in Orientation & Mobility 1

Observational internship examining individual interventions designed for children, working-age adults and the elderly who are visually impaired.

IDV 6007BInternship in Orientation & Mobility 2

Application of knowledge and skills in a rehabilitation environment. Students will demonstrate their competency through pedagogical activities and through their intervention strategies and the provision of services.

IDV 6016Low Vision & Mobility

The functional impact of low vision on mobility. Principles of optics and magnification. Environmental factors. Skills, strategies and training in the use of optical assistive devices.

IDV 6031Assessment in Orientation & Mobility

Examination and practice of methods available to assess the visual status of a visually impaired person in a multi-sensory context.

IDV 6032Simulation & Techniques in Orientation & Mobility

This course will allow students to experience traveling in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings under blindfold and a variety of simulated vision losses. The course will also address instructional strategies.

Take a look at some topics covered.

IDV 6015AInternship in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy 1

Observational internship in the evaluation and intervention in visual impairment. The internships will be carried out at rehabilitation centers in Quebec or in branches of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in Ottawa and Cornwall.

IDV 6015BInternship in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy 2

Through established links with the rehabilitative environment, students are introduced to all of the professional issues associated with service provision in visual impairment. They begin to develop their identity and professional autonomy.

IDV 6026Assessment in Vision Rehabilitation

Examination and practice of methods available to assess a visually impaired person at the outset of the rehabilitative process, including disciplinary evaluation as well as specific measures of visual function and functional vision.

IDV 6027Braille and Visual Impairment

Competence in the reading, writing, and teaching of uncontracted and contracted braille. Students learn how to read braille both visually and tactually. Practical applications in daily life.

IDV 6028Computer-based Assistive Technology I

Students learn how to evaluate the best reading and writing modality (visual, auditory or tactile) and to teach the use of visual, tactile, and auditory devices.

IDV 6029Computer-based Assistive Technology II

Study of environmental adaptation methods and strategies in the use of equipment, software, and resources for computer accessibility by blind and visually impaired individuals. Course includes theoretical presentations and laboratory work.

IDV 6030Living with Visual Impairment

This course addresses the theoretical and practical concepts involved in all activities of daily life and the assistive devices and strategies involved to improve functional vision.

Take a look at some topics covered.

IDV 6030Living with Visual Impairment

This course addresses the theoretical and practical concepts involved in all activities of daily life and the assistive devices and strategies involved to improve functional vision.

IDV 6033Assessment in Low Vision

This course examines the battery of methods available to assess the function of the visual systems of people affected by a visual impairment.

IDV 6034Low Vision Intervention I – Enhancing Visual Function

Exploring methods and strategies for enhancing visual performance without optical or hi-tech assistive devices. Lectures will introduce and explain rehabilitative interventions such as eccentric viewing training.

IDV 6035Low Vision Intervention II – Optical Devices

This course presents visual strategies enhancing functional vision of children, adults and elderly with the use of optical devices, magnification, and/or enhancement systems.

IDV 6036Low Vision Intervention III – High-Tech Devices

This course explores the visual strategies enhancing functional vision of children, adults and elderly with the use of visual electronic assistive devices and computers.

IDV 6037ALow Vision Internship I

Observational internship in evaluation and intervention in low vision. Internships will be carried out in rehabilitation centers in Quebec, in private clinics, or in hospital settings.

IDV 6037BLow Vision Internship 2

Internship offers the student an environment in which to consolidate his/her acquired knowledge in the area of low vision, integrated into the more general rehabilitation in visual impairment.

See program structure

Admission requirements

You studied

and have, or will obtain, a diploma from the following program or country:

Note that the quantitative criteria indicated above does not replace a qualitative review of your application. These criteria are provided for information purposes only. Eligibility for a study program does not guarantee an offer of admission. Information on this page may change without notice.

Find out about eligibility for this program

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Costs and financial aid

Important

Please note that this master's program consists of 4 sessions for a total of 45 credits. Consequently, full-time enrollment could be less than 15 credits per session.

$2,117.74 *

Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $1,483.65

Other fees: $634.09

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

Check your legal status

* These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2024-2025 academic year.
Information updated: June 5, 2024

$5,264.89 *

Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $4,630.80

Other fees: $634.09

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

Good news! You may be able to lower this amount!

Under certain conditions, Canadian students who are not residents of Quebec can follow university study programs offered in French while benefiting from the same tuition fees as residents of Quebec.

Check eligibility criteria

Check your legal status

* These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2024-2025 academic year.
Information updated: June 5, 2024

$11,527.24 *

Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $10,893.15

Other fees: $634.09

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

* Note that this amount may vary depending on the selected track (with or without dissertation or directed study).

These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2024-2025 academic year.
Information updated: June 5, 2024

$2,117.74 *

Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $1,483.65

Other fees: $634.09

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

Vérifiez votre admissibilité aux exemptions des droits de scolarité supplémentaires

* These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2024-2025 academic year.
Information updated: June 5, 2024

Calculate tuition fees based on other situations

Available financial assistance

Graduate and postgraduate scholarships

Funding offered to students, all programs combined

Graduate scholarships

Funding offered for master's programs with or without thesis

Exemption scholarship for international students

Scholarship program for exemption from additional tuition fees for international students

Funding for Mobility

Scholarships and mobility funding programs offered to students from the Université de Montréal who wish to study abroad

Plan your budget

Pursue your studies, but not at all costs! Various resources are available to help make it easier for you to study more and worry less.

Future prospects Pursuing a career or further studies? The choice is yours!

Opt for an inspiring career in vision sciences! In choosing to help people living with visual impairments, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings locally and globally, either in public or private rehabilitation centres, educational institutions or research facilities.