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
- Undergraduate degree
- BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels
How to become
To become an Orthoptist, you will need a degree in Orthoptics. There are many ways to access university level education and you can explore lots of current opportunities in the section below.
You might:
- Study A Levels, BTECs, or T Levels – useful subjects might include Biology, Psychology, Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Chemistry or Maths. Explore some current opportunities below.
- Complete an Access to Higher Education course – a college course designed for adults who want to access higher education but don’t have the traditional requirements like A Levels.
- Complete a Foundation course – a year-long university course designed to prepare you for studying Orthoptics or a related healthcare profession if you do not have the required qualifications or grades to go straight into a degree.
You will then be ready to study at a university level. This can include:
- Studying an undergraduate degree in Orthoptics.
- Complete a Degree Apprenticeship – gain experience in the workplace while also studying a qualification in Orthoptics, where available.
Alongside education, you may also want to build some relevant work or voluntary experience in healthcare, hospitals, optometry services, community health services, education settings or patient-facing support roles and think about developing your communication, attention to detail, empathy, problem-solving and teamwork skills.
To work in this role, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Where can this role lead
From your role as an Orthoptist, you could continue helping people with vision and eye movement conditions by specialising in areas such as Paediatric Orthoptics, Neuro-Orthoptics, or Stroke and Rehabilitation Services.
You could also specialise in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of health conditions by moving into roles such as a Diagnostic Radiographer.
Your assessment, problem-solving and patient communication skills as an Orthoptist would also translate well to sideways moves such as a Audiologist, or Health Trainer.
Progression might look like seeking a leadership role within eye care or diagnostic services, applying your skills to become a Service Manager.
Location
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Hospitals
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Opticians
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Schools, colleges and universities
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Community Settings
Working hours
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Weekends
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Part Time
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Full Time
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Casual Hours
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Overtime
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Flexible Hours
Opportunities
Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses
- Organisation
- Leeds City College
Virtual work experience
- Organisation
- Aspiring Allies
Volunteering in Health and Care
- Organisation
- Volunteering Opportunities