Orthoptist

You'll need to get a degree in orthoptics, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

There's a lot of competition for places on the orthoptics degree courses, so you'll need to show an understanding and commitment before you apply.

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in your local orthoptic department before you apply for a course.

You could contact the head orthoptist or the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

As well as a student loan, you may be able to access elements of the NHS Learning Support Fund, which can cover hardship, travel and childcare costs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British and Irish Orthoptic Society, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts. Student membership is free of charge and runs until you graduate.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in this area from the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and Health Careers.

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• to enjoy working with other people
• knowledge of English language
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Depending on where you work, as part of your day-to-day duties you may:

• diagnose squints, lazy eyes (amblyopia), reduced or double vision, and disorders due to injury or illness
• manage conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, stroke, retinal disease and neurological disorders
• carry out vision tests on children
• suggest treatments like eye patches, eye exercises, contact lenses or low vision aids
• refer to another specialist or a surgeon
• work within a team of other healthcare professionals, like ophthalmologists (eye surgeons), optometrists (who prescribe and dispense glasses and lenses) and vision scientists.

You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in the community.