CAREER IN ORTHOPTICS
Job Description
The Orthoptist is an Allied health
Professional who has the ability to
investigate, diagnose and treat defects of
binocular vision and abnormalities of eye
movement
Orthoptist is allied health specialists who
work with an ophthalmologist in the
investigation, diagnosis and treatment in
disorder of vision, eye movements, and eye
alignment. The Orthoptist performs a series
of diagnostic tests and measurements on
patients with visual disorder, including
lazy eye, strabismus (misaligned eyes), and
double vision. Through interpretation of
testing procedures and clinical evaluation,
the Orthoptist helps the ophthalmologist, or
a combination of the two. Much of their
works with children, but they can work with
patients of all ages who have eye disorder,
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.
Their role is closely linked to that of the
ophthalmologist and they also work with
other medical and surgical specialist.
Employment opportunities
A fully qualified Orthoptist works in a
variety of professional settings:
-
Hospital Bases either Private or
Government
-
Primary Vision Screeners traveling to
communities and Health centres.
-
Academic opportunities also exist for
individuals who want to offer clinical
expertise and instructions to Orthopic
students, medical students, and resident
physicians. Orthoptist may also
participate in clinical research and in
the presentation and publication of
scientific papers.
Entry Requirements for Orthoptist
The Minimum academic entry requirement for
Orthoptist:
-
In UK: You will need a minimum of 5 GCSE
passes (or equivalent) including English
language, mathematics and at least one
science, plus 3 A level passes at grade
C or above.
-
In Australia: 2 ‘A’ level Grade B & C
Subject preferred: Biology, Chemistry,
Physics or Mathematics.
Length of Study
The program covers approximately 3 years of
full time study in the United Kingdom and
31/2 to 4 years in Australia
Places offering BSc Orthoptics
-
University of Sheffield & University of
Liverpool, UK
-
University of Sydney & La Trobe
University Melbourne, Australia
Useful In Formation
Other Criteria
Along with your academic qualifications, the
applicant will need to have good
communication skills and be able to relate
to both children and adults. You will also
need to have good organizational skills,
patience and a good sense of humor.
Additionally, you will need to be self
motivated, observant and be capable of
working under your own initiative or as part
of a team.
