Orthoptist
Orthoptists work with a team of specialists to diagnose and treat eye problems.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Depending on where you work, as an orthoptist you could:
- diagnose squints, lazy eyes, reduced or double vision, and disorders
- manage conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, stroke, retinal disease and neurological disorders
- carry out vision tests on children
- suggest treatments like eye patches, eye exercises, contact lenses or low vision aids
- refer clients to other healthcare professionals like optometrists, eye surgeons and vision scientists
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in the community.
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- become a specialist orthoptist and work with specific groups of people such as children or people affected by stroke
- become a head or consultant orthoptist, and manage a team or department
- take further qualifications and move into research or teaching
- work in private practice and set up your own clinic
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with others
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- thinking and reasoning skills
- knowledge of medicine and how the human body works
- to enjoy working with other people
- knowledge of English language
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course.
You'll need to get a degree in orthoptics, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
There's a lot of competition for places on orthoptics degree courses, so you'll need to show an understanding and commitment to orthoptics before you apply.
Work experience
Before you apply for a course, you'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare, for example in a local orthoptic department.
The British and Irish Orthoptics Society can also give you information on work shadowing opportunities.
NHS Learning Support Fund
As well as a student loan, you might be able to get financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
More Information
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Career tips
When applying for courses and jobs, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values apply in your work.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the British and Irish Orthoptic Society, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Student membership is free of charge until you graduate.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in orthoptics from the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and Health Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.