Orthoptist

Your Fit

Income

$87K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

2.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Orthoptist?

An Orthoptist is a specialized healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats disorders of eye movements and associated vision problems, primarily focusing on binocular vision and eye alignment. They often work with patients of all ages who have conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and diplopia (double vision).

Sample job titles:

Certified Orthoptist, Clinical Orthoptist (CO), Orthoptist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Orthoptist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Orthoptist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Orthoptist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$43K per year	$77K per year	$87K per year	$116K per year	$130K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $22K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Orthoptist do?

Work environment

Orthoptists primarily work in hospitals, eye clinics, or private ophthalmology or optometry practices. They work closely with ophthalmologists, providing key assessments that guide treatment plans. Their environment is typically clinical, involving the use of various eye testing equipment.

Quick task list

Conducts detailed assessments of eye movements and alignment.
Diagnoses eye conditions related to binocular vision and eye coordination.
Develops and implements treatment plans, including eye exercises and the use of prisms.
Educates patients and families about eye conditions and management strategies.
Collaborates with ophthalmologists to manage and treat complex eye disorders.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Orthoptics: Focusing on eye movement disorders in children.
Neuro-Orthoptics: Specializing in eye movement disorders related to neurological conditions.
Rehabilitative Orthoptics: Working with patients who require visual rehabilitation, often after trauma or neurological events.

Description

Orthoptists play a critical role in the eye care field, specializing in the assessment and non-surgical treatment of eye disorders. They are skilled in using various diagnostic tools to evaluate problems with eye alignment and movement, often identifying issues that are not apparent in standard eye exams. The ability to accurately diagnose and manage these conditions is crucial, as it can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, including their ability to read, drive, and perform daily activities.

The profession requires a deep understanding of the visual system, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex information to patients of all ages. Orthoptists must be detail-oriented to precisely assess and monitor conditions over time. They often work with patients who require long-term care, which can involve developing strong patient-practitioner relationships.

Orthoptics is a rewarding career for those interested in a specialized healthcare field that combines patient care with detailed clinical assessment. It offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in patients' visual abilities and overall well-being.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Improving patients' quality of life through better vision and eye coordination.
The intellectual challenge of diagnosing and managing complex eye conditions.
Building long-term relationships with patients and witnessing their progress.
Working in a collaborative environment alongside other eye care professionals.

You might make a good Orthoptist if you are...

Interested in the detailed workings of the visual system.
Adept at working with precision and have good hand-eye coordination.
Patient and compassionate, able to work with clients of all ages, especially children.
Detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Looking for a career in healthcare that combines clinical assessment with patient interaction.

Pros:

Specialized field with a focus on improving critical aspects of vision.
Opportunities to work in various settings, including hospitals and private practices.
High degree of patient interaction and long-term patient care.

Cons:

Niche field, which may limit job opportunities in certain regions.
Requires precise and meticulous assessments, which can be demanding.
Need for continuous learning to keep up with advancements in eye care.

How to become an Orthoptist

Typical education

Becoming an Orthoptist generally requires a bachelor's degree followed by a 2-year accredited orthoptic program. This totals approximately 6 years of post-secondary education. Some countries or regions may have different educational pathways or requirements.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Physics to understand basic human physiology and optics.
Mathematics for developing analytical skills.
Psychology to understand patient behavior and needs.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in healthcare settings, particularly in eye care or vision therapy.
Participating in science clubs or fairs with a focus on health and medicine.
Engaging in activities that require attention to detail and precision, such as art or technical hobbies.

Preparation after high school

Completing a bachelor's degree, preferably in a field related to health sciences, biology, or physiology.
Enrolling in an accredited orthoptic program, which typically includes extensive clinical training.
Seeking internships or assistant positions in ophthalmology clinics to gain practical experience.
Obtaining certification as an Orthoptist, if required in your country or region.

More resources

American Association of Certified Orthoptists (AACO) - Provides certification information, educational resources, and job listings.
The International Orthoptic Association (IOA) - Offers information on orthoptic practice around the world and professional development resources.
Journal of Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility - A scientific journal dedicated to the study of binocular vision and eye movement disorders.
Orthoptics Australia - For those in Australia, a resource for professional development and certification information.
British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) - Offers resources for those in the UK and Ireland, including training and professional standards.

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