Orthoptists investigate, diagnose and treat physical obstructions to eye movement or vision, and any abnormalities that affect the eye muscles and connected nerves. Conditions they treat include:

• squints
• reduced or double vision
• ‘lazy eye’
• disorders that arise from injury or disease.

After they have carried out a detailed examination of the patient and a diagnosis has been made, treatment can be carried out. This may involve:

• patching
• eye exercises
• a recommendation for surgery
• a referral to another specialist, for example, when a problem caused by a condition such as a brain tumour has been identified.  

Much of their work is with children, but they can work with patients of all ages who have eye disorders, maxillofacial injuries, or who are undergoing rehabilitation following a stroke. Some patients may have special needs or severe learning difficulties. Orthoptists keep records of treatment plans and patients’ progress.

This role is closely linked to that of an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) and they also work with other medical and surgical specialists.

Hours and Environment

Orthoptists usually work 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Part-time work and job sharing may be available.

Orthoptists work in examination rooms in hospital ophthalmic departments, on the wards and in outpatient clinics. Some orthoptists are community-based, working in health centres, day nurseries, special schools, school clinics or mobile clinics. Many orthoptists combine hospital and community work. Others work as lecturers in universities.

Some travel may be involved.

Skills and Interests

To work as an orthoptist you should:

• be able to relate well to people of all ages
• have patience and strong verbal communication skills
• be able to form good relationships with children and win their confidence
• enjoy working with patients over a long period of time
• be inventive - work with children may mean treatment takes the form of a game
• have good powers of observation
• have a high degree of accuracy when using measuring equipment
• have numerical ability
• have manual dexterity
• be persuasive and persistent to encourage continuation of treatment
• be able to work alone and as part of a team
• have budgetary and resource management skills if working in a senior position.

Entry

To become a state registered orthoptist you must successfully complete a degree in orthoptics, approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). Students and graduates can join the British and Irish Orthoptic Society – the main professional body in this field.

Details of approved degree programmes are available from both the Orthoptic Society and HPC websites; see Further Information for details.

The entry requirements for a degree in orthoptics usually include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) in English, maths and two science subjects, plus two or three A levels/H grades, one of which should be biology. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Degree courses are three years full-time; there are no shortened courses for candidates with a degree in another subject.

It will show commitment, understanding and insight if you visit an orthoptic department before applying for course; you may be able to arrange a period of work experience.

A police check will be carried out before the beginning of the course.

Training

Academic subjects studied on an approved degree course include:

• anatomy
• behavioural science
• cell biology
• child development
• genetics
• physiology
• study of the eye and ocular muscles
• brain and central nervous system
• ophthalmology and eye disease.

You will also study ethics, health service management, information technology and statistics.

Clinical practice also forms an important part of the course. You spend 30 weeks on placements in hospitals and clinics. It is important to note that the academic year is extended from the normal 30 weeks to 42 in order to accommodate the clinical practice.

As a qualified orthoptist, it is possible to continue training and work towards an MSc, MPhil or PhD qualification.

Opportunities

The majority of orthoptics are employed in the NHS but some work in private hospitals and universities. A few openings exist in the Armed Forces.

Employment opportunities are generally good, but individuals may need to consider relocating. The NHS has a clearly defined careers and promotion structure from basic grade orthoptist to head orthoptist.

British orthoptic training and qualifications are recognised in most countries; there are opportunities to work overseas.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Newly qualified orthoptists in the NHS can earn between £19,200 and £24,800 a year.
Specialist orthoptists can earn up to £31,000. 
Advanced orthoptists can earn around £36,500.

Orthoptists in private practice may earn more.

Further information

Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655 Park House
184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866 Tavistock House North
Tavistock Square
London
WC1H 9HX
Tel: 020 7387 7992