Orthoptist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

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:

• 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

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• science skills
• active listening skills
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to work well with your hands
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Orthoptists work with a team of specialists to diagnose and treat eye problems.

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

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

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings flexibly

Career Path:

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