Orthoptist

Introduction

Orthoptists diagnose and treat abnormal eye movements (such as squints) and defective vision. They often work closely with doctors and opticians. The majority of their work is with children, checking their vision as well as treating problems.

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Work Activities

Orthoptists diagnose and treat visual impairments (such as squints and double vision) and abnormal eye movements. The earlier such defects are detected, the better the chances of remedying them completely.

About 70% of the orthoptist's work is with children, checking on their vision as well as treating problems. However, adults, particularly elderly people, also need orthoptic help as a result of strokes, thyroid disease or injury. Also, people with a learning disability, such as Down's Syndrome, frequently have problems with eye co-ordination.

Diagnosis is made by charting eye movements through observation or with the aid of instruments. Some of the equipment used by orthoptists is highly complex and computerised. Orthoptists must also be aware of medical conditions, such as brain tumours, that may give rise to visual problems.

Treatment by the orthoptist may include 'patching' one eye to encourage the other to function properly, devising exercises to assist the development of binocular vision or recommending a surgical operation.

If surgery is recommended the orthoptist works closely with the ophthalmologist, or specialist eye doctor, providing the necessary details to carry out the operation successfully. After surgery, the orthoptist continues to monitor the patient's progress.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

In order to treat all your patients effectively, you must have good communication skills and have the ability to relate well to young children and their parents. The work requires understanding, tact, honesty and the ability to inspire confidence.

You should have good eyesight.

You need to be good at persuading people, as parents may have difficulty accepting that their child needs glasses. The children themselves may also be reluctant to wear glasses.

Other important skills are the ability to make accurate measurements, to pay attention to detail, and to analyse problems and find solutions - often to several problems at once.

You will have to keep accurate records on each patient and prepare reports for the ophthalmologist. You will also have to write letters to general practitioners (GPs), patients and opticians. It is important to be methodical and self-disciplined.

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Pay and Opportunities

National Health Service (NHS) employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.

Orthoptists start on Band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay scales. From April 1, 2008 this has been £20,225 - £26,123 a year. Specialist orthoptists earn £24,103 - £32,653. A head orthoptist can earn up to £64,118 depending on responsibilities.

Orthoptists usually work 35-36.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Almost all are employed within the health service, with a few opportunities in research and in teaching trainee orthoptists, doctors and other health care professionals.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a degree in orthoptics, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

There are some exemptions to entry requirements for orthoptics degree courses if you are a graduate with a relevant degree subject or have a relevant work background in science.

• 48% of people in occupations such as orthoptist work part-time.
• 10% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis
.

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