Orthoptist
Diagnose and treat eye movement disorders, squints and binocular vision problems.
This UK orthoptist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,407 (NHS Band 5)
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £70,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, clinic or community setting
- Time to entry
- 3 years (BSc)
- Degree required
- Often required
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
What a Orthoptist does
Diagnose and treat eye movement disorders, squints and binocular vision problems.
- Paediatric Eye Care - Diagnose and treat squint and lazy eye in children.
- Adult Neuro-orthoptics - Eye movement disorders after stroke or brain injury.
- Glaucoma Clinics - Orthoptists running shared-care glaucoma clinics.
- Low Vision - Assessment and support for partially sighted patients.
How to become a Orthoptist
- Look up Orthoptist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Orthoptist - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Clinical assessment
- Working with children
- Reporting
- Teamwork
- Patience