Orthoptist Educational Requirements and Career Opportunities

This post provides detailed information on the educational requirements to become an orthoptist, as well as the various opportunities available to orthoptists and how to be successful in the career.

Before we begin proper, let’s get to know who an orthoptist is.

Who is an Orthoptist?

An orthoptist is a professional who has completed an orthoptic training program accredited by the American Board of Optometry (ABO).

The work of an orthoptist includes eye examinations, prescription of eyeglasses or contact lenses, treatment for strabismus, amblyopia, refractive error, glaucoma, dry eyes, keratoconus and other eye conditions, and management.

Why Choose Orthoptist Career?

Here are some reasons or benefits you may get by becoming an Orthoptist:

1. You can earn more money than an optometrist.
2. You have the opportunity to help people with vision problems.
3. You get to see patients from different age groups.
4. You get to use your diagnostic skills.
5. You get to learn new things every day.
6. You get to travel around the world.
7. You get to meet interesting people.
8. You get to practice what you learned in school.
9. You get to do something that helps others.
10. You get to make a difference in people’s lives.

Orthoptist Educational Requirements

If you are interested in becoming an orthoptist, then here are the educational requirements you have to meet:

1. Graduation from an ABO approved orthoptic training program.
2. Passing ABO’s examination on Orthoptics.
3. Completion of at least two years of clinical experience.
4. Successful completion of a national board exam.
5. Completion of a residency program.
6. Practice of orthoptics for at least one year.
7. Membership in the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
8. Licensure in the state where practicing.
9. Certification through the American Board of Opticianry.
10. Professional liability insurance.
11. Continuing education.
12. Current CPR certification.
13. Current first aid certification.

Orthoptist Continuing Education

Continuing education is important for any profession. It keeps professionals up-to-date with their field. This is also true for orthoptists.

They need to keep themselves updated with the latest developments in their field so they can provide better care to their patients.

There are many ways to obtain continuing education. Some of them include:

• Attend conferences.
• Read journals.
• Take online courses.
• Participate in workshops.
• Watch webinars.

Orthoptist Certification/License

The next step after completing orthoptic training is getting certified. An Orthoptist must pass the ABOS examination on orthoptics.

To become certified, an applicant needs to complete an application form, pay the fee, take the test, and submit the score report along with the required documentation.

Once the applicant passes the exam, he or she gets his or her license.

Orthoptist Career Opportunities

Here are some career opportunities an orthoptist can explore:

1. Pediatrician

Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in children’s health. They diagnose and treat diseases such as asthma, diabetes, ear infections, and tonsillitis, among others.

2. Family Physician

These are physicians who deal with general medical issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis.

3. Emergency Room Physician

Emergency room physicians are doctors who work in emergency rooms. Their main job is to stabilize patients before sending them home.

4. Ophthalmologist

These are doctors who study eye problems and perform surgeries.

5. General Surgeon

These are surgeons who operate on all types of body organs, including the eyes.

Other career areas that orthoptists can access include:

• Neurologist
• Physical Therapist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist.

How to Advance your Orthoptist Career

These tips will help you advance your career as an orthoptist:

1. Get involved in professional organizations.

When you get involved in professional organizations, it helps you stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in your field.

You can attend meetings, read journals, watch webinars, and participate in discussions.

2. Join a professional society.

Joining a professional society gives you access to information that other members don’t have.

You can learn from people who have been in your position and know what it takes to succeed.

3. Keep yourself up-to-date.

You should always be reading journals and watching webinars because new discoveries are being made every day.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you need to keep yourself up-to- date.

4. Networking.

Networking is very important when trying to advance your career. When you network, you meet people who can help you achieve your goals.

You can ask them questions about how they got where they are today.

5. Be patient.

It may seem like there is no way to move forward in this industry but if you stick with it, you will eventually reach your goal.

6. Don’t give up.

If you start feeling discouraged, remember that you are not alone. Many people have had similar experiences and overcame them.

How to Find a Good Orthoptist School

You can find a good school by asking friends, family, colleagues, and former students.

You can also search online using Google.

Here are some things to look out for when choosing a school:

1. Accreditation.

Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an orthoptic program.

This means that the institution has met certain standards set by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO).

It ensures that graduates from the program are qualified to practice medicine.

2. Faculty.

The faculty plays a big role in determining whether or not you enjoy your time at the school.

Look for schools with experienced professors who are well respected in their fields.

3. Student/faculty ratio.

This refers to the number of students per professor. The ideal student to teacher ratio is 1:10.

The higher the ratio, the more attention each student receives.

4. Location.

You should choose a location close to where you live so you won’t have to travel too far to see patients.

5. Tuition.

Tuition costs vary depending on the type of school you go to. However, tuition shouldn’t be the only factor you use to decide which school to enroll in.

Make sure that the school offers scholarships, financial aid, and grants.

6. Graduation rate.

Look at the graduation rates of different programs. A high graduation rate shows that the school values its students.

How to be Successful in your Orthoptist Career

These are key ideas that will help you become successful in your orthoptist career.

1. Stay current.

Stay updated on the latest research and developments in your field. Read journals, watch webinARS, and join discussion groups.

2. Take advantage of opportunities.

Don’t let opportunities pass you by. If you see something interesting, apply for it.

3. Learn as much as you can.

Take advantage of educational opportunities available to you. Attend lectures, read books, and take courses.

4. Get involved.

Get involved in local organizations and associations. These organizations provide networking opportunities and allow you to learn more about the profession.

5. Ask questions.

Ask your professors and other professionals about what you don’t understand. They will sure be willing to give you the answers you need.

6. Keep learning.

Continually seek new information and knowledge. There is always room to expand your knowledge.

Qualities of a Good Orthoptist 

These qualities make up the characteristics of a good orthoptist.

1. Knowledgeable.

A good orthoptist knows how to diagnose and treat common eye diseases. He or she must know the basics of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

2. Patient-centered.

An orthoptist treats his or her patients like they were family members. He or she listens carefully to their concerns and takes them seriously.

3. Professional.

An orthoptists acts professionally and respectfully toward others. He or she has strong communication skills and is able to explain complicated concepts clearly.

4. Responsible.

An orthoptists is responsible for his or her actions. He or she doesn’t lie or cheat when taking tests or exams.

5. Reliable.

An orthoptic is reliable because he or she keeps promises. He or she follows through with tasks and deadlines.

6. Honest.

An orthoptics is honest because he or she tells the truth. He or she isn’t afraid to admit mistakes.

Orthoptist Salary

According to Glassdoor’s June 2024 report, the median salary of orthoptists in the United States is $176K/yr.

However, the 2020 salary report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, states the average yearly salary of orthotists and prosthetists to be $74,120.

On the other hand, Ziprecruiter, in its Jan. 2025 salary data gives the average yearly salary of orthoptists in the U.S. to be $129,000.

States with Highest Salary for Orthoptists 

The States that pay the highest salaries to orthoptists in the United States, according to the data on BLS, include Mississippi and Connecticut, with average salary of $115,390 and  $103,850 respectively yearly.

Orthoptist Job Outlook

According to Recruiter, demand for orthoptists is predicted to increase, with 13,330 new jobs needed to be filled by 2029. This equates to a 4.11 percent yearly rise for the following five years.

Conclusion

The future looks bright for an orthoptist. The job outlook is expected to grow over the next few years.

As long as you stay current with your education and keep learning, you should find success in this rewarding career.

If you are interested in becoming an orthoptist, this post has provided detailed information about the career to help you make a decision whether to go for it or not.

It has also helped you to learn about the educational requirements you need to fulfill, how to advance your career, and the various career opportunities you can explore as an orthoptist.