Orthoptist
Working mainly in the eye department of a hospital, orthoptists investigate, diagnose and treat vision defects and abnormalities of eye movement and alignment, treating conditions such as squints, double vision, 'lazy eye' and other disorders that arise from injury or disease. Much of the work is with children, but orthoptists also work with patients of all ages, some of whom may have special needs and learning difficulties. Adult patients may have eye disorders caused by trauma, endocrine disorders or a stroke.
Orthoptists work closely with ophthalmologists and other specialists, and may be part of the eye multidisciplinary team in glaucoma and cataract clinics.
A consultation usually begins with a detailed examination, conducting a range of tests to help establish a diagnosis and then a treatment plan. For example, a squint may be treated by prescribing glasses, patching one eye, using prisms, exercises, and/or surgery. Orthoptists regularly review the patient and, together with an ophthalmologist, modify the treatment plan as needed.
Entry level
You must take a full-time, three-year degree course in orthoptics to qualify, the minimum entry requirements for which are normally five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) with three A levels/H grades. Subjects should normally include English, maths, biology and/or physics. There are only two degree courses available in the UK, at Liverpool and Sheffield Universities.
Any of these degree courses can lead to registration with the Health Professions Council, which is necessary to work in the National Health Service (NHS). It is a good idea to arrange work shadowing or work experience with a qualified orthoptist before applying for a place.
You might be eligible for a means-tested bursary from the NHS to help with your living expenses, and you would not have to pay tuition fees. However, these bursaries are limited.
Making the grade
A wide range of subjects are covered on the degree course, including the study of the eye, ocular muscles, brain and central nervous system, ophthalmology and eye disease as well as anatomy, behavioural science, cell biology, child development, genetics and physiology.
As part of your training, you would spend 30 weeks on block release for clinical practice, mainly in a hospital but also in the community and at special schools for disabled people. During this time, you would be given increasing responsibility for diagnosis and management of patients.
Approximately 1,300 qualified orthoptists work in the United Kingdom. The NHS has a clearly defined careers and promotion structure, from basic-grade orthoptist, through the grades of senior II and senior I for staff in charge of orthoptic departments, to four grades of head orthoptist who are responsible for district orthoptics.
Personal qualities
You would be working a lot with children, so you would need to be able to form good relationships with them and win their confidence. You must also be able to relate well to patients of all ages and enjoy working with them over a long period of time.
A high degree of accuracy would be essential for using special measuring equipment, and you would have to be meticulous in keeping careful records.
Looking ahead
There is generally a healthy demand for both full- and part-time orthoptists. The majority work in the NHS, but opportunities also exist in private hospitals, community orthoptic services and private practice. There are a few positions as teachers, lecturers and researchers in universities. Opportunities also exist in the armed forces.
As British orthoptics training and qualifications are internationally recognised, there are opportunities to work overseas. You could choose to work on aid programmes in developing countries.
Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities in vision-related healthcare include dispensing optician, ophthalmologist or optometrist. In the broader healthcare field, you might consider dentist, dietitian, doctor, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, podiatrist, radiographer or speech and language therapist.
Take-home pay
Salary rates for orthoptists in the NHS start at around £19,000 to £21,000 a year.
As the head of a large department, you could earn over £50,000 (band 8d following Agenda for Change).
Effects
Orthoptists usually work 36.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You social and family life would therefore be far less disrupted than that of other healthcare professionals working in hospitals, who may be on call on a 24-hour basis. Part-time work and job sharing are often possible.
Sources of information
British and Irish Orthoptic Society: www.orthoptics.org.uk
Health Professions Council: www.hpc-uk.org
NHS Careers: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
CRCI: JJ
