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Orthoptist |
Career OverviewThe Orthoptist investigates, diagnoses, and treats defects of binocular vision and abnormalities of eye movement due to faulty eye muscles or visual habits. The work involves seeing patients of all ages from infants to the elderly. The Orthoptist works as part of the eye care team and usually works closely with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and vision scientists.
The professional role of the Orthoptist includes examining patients with eye problems especially those related to ocular mobility, binocular vision, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (squint), or double vision. Orthoptists diagnose these problems and determine appropriate treatment. Some perform vision screening of children in schools and community health centers. As Orthoptists are a part of a multidisciplinary team, they are also involved in the management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, stroke, retinal disease, and neurological disorders.
The Orthoptist performs a variety of medical tests or medical diagnostic procedures. Examples of tests performed are visual field testing, visual acuity testing, and eye movement testing. Depending upon the results of this testing the Orthoptist may prescribe treatment such as eye exercises, consult with an Ophthalmologist, or refer to an Ophthalmic surgeon. In many instances, the Orthoptist is the liaison between the ophthalmologist and the patient, assisting in the explanation and the execution of the treatment.
Orthoptists work in a variety of professional settings. As a consultant, the Orthoptist may travel to several offices or clinics to see patients, or work as a professional advisor to vision related community agencies.
Orthoptists must possess diagnostic ability, technical understanding, and therapeutic skills. In addition, Orthoptists must be able to work well with young children, who make up a large portion of orthoptic patients. It is not uncommon for these young patients to also have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Orthoptists involved in adult care are uniquely challenged and rewarded. This area of orthoptics is found in settings of ophthalmology specific to neuro-ophthalmology and adult eye muscle disorders.
An orthoptist must have excellent communication skills both in communicating with other medical staff as well as discussing options and treatments with patients.
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Career RequirementsAn orthoptist must have a Bachelors degree in a medical or health related field as well as two years of post-graduate training in ophthalmology or a related field. The orphoptist must also work in a hands-on training during their formal education before they can work independently. American Association of Certified Orthoptics (AACO) provides certification for appropriately qualified candidates.
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Job OutlookThough Orthoptists frequently emphasize the treatment of children, there is also an emphasis on eye problems and diseases of the elderly. With the aging population, the need for Orthoptists will remain strong. Also advancements in medical science and treatments, both for children and the elderly, will keep the demand for orthoptics above average employment levels.
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Career TrackAn orthoptists may move into careers in consulting, management or starting their own practice. Some orthoptists may also enter research fields or may return to schools as faculty members or trainers.
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CompensationEntry level salaries for Orthoptists start around $45,000. Depending upon experience and work environment, the high end of orthoptic salary is over $100,000. The average salary for the job is around $60,000.
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