Skip to main content
National Careers Service

Beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

Get help with your exam results: whatever your results, there are lots of options available to you.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. Orthoptist

Orthoptist

Alternative titles for this job include

Orthoptists diagnose, treat and manage conditions that affect eye movement and vision in children and adults.

Average salary (a year)

£32,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can study for a degree in orthoptics, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

Some courses offer a foundation year. This is for students returning to education who may not have the standard entry requirements.

Work experience

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience, for example in a local orthoptic department. It also shows your commitment to working in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

You can also find out work shadowing opportunities from the British and Irish Orthoptics Society.

NHS Learning Support Fund

As well as a student loan, you might be able to get financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

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

Apprenticeship

You could apply to an NHS trust to do an Orthoptist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes 3 years to complete and is a mix of training on the job and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Registration

Career tips

You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.

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 until you graduate.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in orthoptics from the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and Health Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine and how the human body works
  • science skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an orthoptist, you could:

  • diagnose and treat eye disorders like double vision and squints
  • manage conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disease
  • provide treatments, such as contact lenses, eye exercises or low vision aids
  • work with patients recovering from head injury or stroke
  • take part in community and school screening programmes
  • promote the importance of good eye care
  • refer patients to other health professionals when needed, such as optometrists and eye surgeons

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could:

  • specialise in working with specific groups, such as children or people with diabetes
  • become a head or consultant orthoptist, and manage a team or department
  • move into research or university teaching
  • work in private practice and set up your own clinic

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an orthoptist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to Higher Education (Applied Science) Level 3

  • Provider: DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • Start date: 14 September 2026
  • Location: Dudley

Access to HE - Science

  • Provider: Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC)
  • Start date: 09 September 2026
  • Location: Twickenham
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.