Orthoptist

Orthoptists help improve the quality of people’s lives by treating eye disorders and spotting serious neurological conditions.

You will work with patients every day, directly seeing the change in their quality of life when you treat their double vision or manage their squint. Your role could involve assessing the vision of babies or helping patients who have suffered a stroke. You will also have the opportunity to work in a variety of places, from hospitals to schools.

Role Characteristics

Assess, interpret and diagnose eye position and eye movement disorders, or patient's visual development
Investigate causes of vision loss
Create a treatment plan, which might include prescribing an eye patch, eye exercises or the use of prisms
Manage medicines, refer patients for further tests or investigations
Assist with the diagnosis and support people with an eye condition related to stroke, MS or Parkinson’s disease
Provide new patient screening and monitor patients, give advice on treatment options and guidance on using treatments at home

Skills

Active listening
Advice giving
Attention to detail
Operating equipment
Record keeping
Communication

Day in the life

Watch this video to learn more about the role of an Orthoptist.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

How to become

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent and will need either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers. You will need to complete an approved degree in Orthoptics. The undergraduate course takes three to four years to complete and involves practical work with patients, as well as theoretical knowledge. There is also a postgraduate option which takes 2 years.

Once you’ve completed your degree, you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professionals Council before you can start practicing.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

You could become a Specialist Orthoptist and later, a Senior or Head Orthoptist. As a Head of Orthoptic Service, you’d be responsible for a team and manage budgets.
Teaching and research are other career options, as well as working in a private practice.