what is an orthoptist?
As an orthoptist, you treat eye movement disorders and visual impairments caused by the eye's interactions with the brain. The role requires expertise in diagnosing defects in binocular visions. Visual problems usually occur due to muscles or nerve issues affecting the brain's communication with the eyes. Orthoptists see patients experiencing symptoms like blurred, double and oscillating vision. Some patients exhibit outward signs like uncontrolled movement or misalignment of eyes.
Orthoptists are trained to provide a range of treatments to manage and correct eye conditions. You assist patients in managing their visual problems and provide remedies like eye exercises, glasses, prisms or eye patches. Sometimes, you work with patients with neurological conditions that affect vision, like brain tumours or strokes. You help manage the symptoms and assist with the general rehabilitation of the patients.
To work as an orthoptist in the UK, you should be registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), which sets the standards of training and practice. As a registered orthoptist, you are employed by the NHS in hospitals or eye clinics. You may also work in specialist facilities like rehabilitation centres for patients with neurological conditions and community clinics.
Would working as an orthoptist suit your problem-solving skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an orthoptist role.
orthoptist jobsaverage orthoptist salary
According to National Careers, the average salary of an orthoptist ranges from £22,548 to £45,838 per year. Entry-level orthoptists working for the NHS start with a Band 4 salary of £22,548 annually. During the trainee position that lasts from 12 to 18 months, you gain experience in the role by assisting a registered orthoptist. When you have additional years of experience, your earnings increase gradually to Band 5, set at £25,655 to £31,534.
When you gain a specialist clinical role, your compensation package grows to Band 6, ranging from £32,306 to £39,027. When you attain an advanced specialist level, you lead in a specific area and perform managerial duties, which increases your salary to Band 7 from £40,057 to £45,839 per year. Heads of orthoptics take home between Band 7 and Band 8 salaries, depending on the department. Their earnings can be as high as £90,387 annually. Apart from the basic salary, the NHS also provides numerous benefits like high-cost area supplements and other non-monetary benefits.
how to increase the salary of an orthoptist
The salary of orthoptists usually depends on the employer and work experience. NHS salaries are usually fixed and increase with experience. However, working in London can improve your compensation package by as much as 20%. Earnings in the private sector depend on the size of the clinic or hospital. Working for small clinics attracts lower salaries due to the limited resources. However, large hospitals or research facilities pay very high salaries.
types of orthoptists
Some of the types of orthoptists include:
- clinical orthoptists: you work in eye clinics or departments in large hospitals. Your job is to diagnose and treat visual problems in patients seeking specialised treatment. You also work with other healthcare professionals to assist with managing eye problems in patients with neurological conditions.
- community orthoptists: you work in community health centres or schools managing visual problems in children and adults. Sometimes, you work in rehabilitation centres to help patients with various visual problems. You provide remedies for misalignment and issues related to eye movements.
- paediatric orthoptists: you assist children with neurological problems that affect their vision. You work in children's hospitals or special schools to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of blurred vision caused by eye movement problems.
working as an orthoptist
If you are passionate about helping people with visual problems, you will enjoy your career as an orthoptist. Read on for details on orthoptists' duties, work schedules and career prospects.
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orthoptist job description
The specific tasks of orthoptists depend on the needs of the patient. However, some standard tasks for orthoptists include:
- performing patient examinations: as an orthoptist, you examine a patient's eyes and evaluate their vision to detect any problems. Most patients are referred to an orthoptist when they present symptoms like misalignment and blurred or double vision. Your job is to undertake the necessary vision evaluation tests to diagnose eye movement disorders. Orthoptists usually diagnose eye problems like glaucoma, diplopia and genetic disorders.
- formulating treatment plans: as an orthoptist, you create care plans and remedies to resolve eye problems in patients. Before settling on a treatment plan and corrective action, you explain the eye conditions to the patients and give them treatment options.
- administering treatment: orthoptists use specialised equipment to treat vision problems in patients using devices like specialist glasses and eye patches. You also prescribe medication for managing conditions or recommend exercises to improve eye movements. If the visual disorder requires surgery, you work closely with the ophthalmologist to plan the corrective surgery.
- conducting rehabilitation programmes: you work with patients with illnesses like stroke, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions that affect nerves. Your job is to rehabilitate them and improve their vision. You also assess the visual problems of children with specific needs and provide treatment plans.
- maintaining a record of patient histories: you write reports of patients' visual problems and update their medical histories with the latest remedies and corrective eye procedures. Keeping records makes it easier to follow a patient's care plan and look for alternative solutions if the treatment isn't working.
- advising patients on visual health issues: you guide patients on general eye problems. For instance, you advise patients on elderly vision care, corrective optics and contact lens care. You also assist with occupational eye problems.
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work environment
An orthoptist works in eye hospitals, NHS clinics and community health centres. In hospitals, you are likely to work indoors in sterilised and climate-controlled work environments. You spend most of the day in the office evaluating patients' eye problems. Most eye clinics are surrounded by specialised equipment for evaluating eye conditions. In community clinics, you work in diverse environments. Apart from assisting patients in clinics, you may work outdoors during community outreach programmes. Sometimes, you conduct vision screening in schools and rehabilitation centres. Some orthoptists work in university departments researching the latest eye techniques.
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who are your colleagues?
As an orthoptist, you work in various industries, and your colleagues include optometrists, dispensing opticians and ophthalmologists. You also work in close proximity to doctors and general nurses, as well as other specialists like neuroscientists, prosthetists and anesthesiologists.
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work schedule
Orthoptists work regular full-time business hours of 38 hours a week. However, in hospitals and 24-hour clinics, you are likely to work shifts, including late nights and weekends. Part-time positions are often available in hospitals. Since most employers provide flexible work arrangements, orthoptists can also work on a freelance basis. Remote working is impossible since you conduct eye tests and examinations throughout the day.
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job outlook
As an orthoptist, you progress from an entry-level professional to a specialist or advanced level. Eventually, you become the head of orthoptics departments or take on other clinical management roles. Some orthoptists work in research institutes and health facilities. Other orthoptists develop careers as lecturers or clinical researchers.
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advantages of finding an orthoptist job through randstad
Finding your orthoptist job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an orthoptist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the routes of becoming an orthoptist include:
- university: to join the profession, pursue a degree in orthoptics at university. The entry requirements are 3 A levels, including a science. The Health and Care Professions Councils should approve the course. Due to the competitive nature of the role, consider gaining experience in eye care jobs. It will show your commitment and interest in the role.
- professional bodies: to practice as an orthoptist, you should register with the Health and Care Professions Council. Join the British and Irish Orthoptic Society for training opportunities and professional development.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of an orthoptist include:
- communication skills: you require communication skills to explain patient conditions clearly. It is also important to explain treatment and care plans to patients before commencing any procedures. Writing skills are also necessary for preparing reports.
- teamwork skills: you work alongside various eye care specialists to provide eye treatment plans. It is important to have a collaborative approach to work, and teamwork skills help you work well with others.
- problem-solving skills: you rely on your logical and critical thinking skills to diagnose eye problems and resolve the conditions. When a patient has a unique eye condition, you use your problem-solving skills to research the best solutions to their issues.
- observation skills: you examine a patient's eyes to diagnose eye movement and visual problems. Therefore, you require observational skills and attention to detail to identify the symptoms of visual problems.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an orthoptist
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what does an orthoptist do?
As an orthoptist, you treat eye movement disorders and visual impairments. Unlike other specialists, you focus on impairments related to how the eyes interact with the brain. Hence, you look out for neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease that affects the eyes.
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what is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an orthoptist?
An ophthalmologist specialises in treating eye diseases and performing surgeries. An orthoptist is also a member of the eye healthcare team but specialises in problems related to eye movements. Orthoptists rely on non-surgical treatments to manage eye conditions.
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are orthoptists doctors?
An orthoptist is a trained healthcare practitioner who specialises in diagnostic procedures related to eye movements and visual systems.
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what qualifications do you need to be an orthoptist?
You require an undergraduate degree in orthoptics from an approved university. The course takes four years and involves practical training and theoretical knowledge.
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how do I apply for an orthoptist vacancy?
Applying for an orthoptist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
