Orthoptist

Orthoptists diagnose, treat and manage conditions that affect eye movement and vision in children and adults.

• Starter salary£32,000 a year
• Experienced£65,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 40 a week

What you'll do

As an orthoptist, you could:

• diagnose and treat squints, reduced or double vision, and other disorders
• manage conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disease
• provide treatments, such as eye exercises, contact lenses or low vision aids
• work with patients recovering from head injury or stroke
• take part in community and school screening programmes
• promote the importance of good eyecare
• refer patients to other health professionals when required, such as optometrists and eye surgeons

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in the community.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and how the human body works
• science skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a orthoptist

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

University

You can study for a degree in orthoptics, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .

Some courses offer a foundation year, aimed at students returning to education, who may not have the standard entry requirements.

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

Apprenticeship

You could apply to an NHS trust to do an Orthoptist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes 3 years to complete and is a mix of training on the job and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could:

• specialise in working with specific groups, such as children or people with diabetes
• become a head or consultant orthoptist, and manage a team or department
• move into research or university teaching
• work in private practice and set up your own clinic

Career tips

You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would 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.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Guides for this industry

• Health & Social Care: pay, interviews and getting started →

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