orthoptist job description

The specific tasks of orthoptists depend on the needs of the patient. However, some standard tasks for orthoptists include: performing patient examinations: as an orthoptist, you examine patients' eyes and evaluate their vision to detect any problems. Most patients are referred to an orthoptist when they present symptoms like misalignment and blurred or double vision. Your job is to undertake the necessary vision evaluation tests to diagnose eye movement disorders. Orthoptists usually diagnose eye problems like glaucoma, diplopia and genetic disorders. formulating treatment plans: as an orthoptist, you create care plans and remedies to resolve eye problems in patients. Before settling on a treatment plan and corrective action, you explain the eye conditions to the patients and give them treatment options. administering treatment: orthoptists use specialised equipment to treat vision problems in patients using devices like specialist glasses and eye patches. You also prescribe medication for managing conditions or recommend exercises to improve eye movements. If the visual disorder requires surgery, you work closely with the ophthalmologist to plan the corrective surgery. conducting rehabilitation programs: you work with patients with illnesses like stroke, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions that affect nerves. Your job is to rehabilitate them and improve their vision. You also assess children's visual problems with specific needs and provide treatment plans. maintaining a record of patient histories: as an orthoptist, you write reports of patients' visual problems and update their medical histories with the latest remedies and corrective eye procedures. Keeping records makes it easier to follow a patient's care plan and look for alternative solutions if the treatment isn't working. advising patients on visual health issues: your job is to guide patients on general eye problems. For instance, you advise patients on elderly vision care, corrective optics and contact lens care. You also assist with occupational eye problems.

As an orthoptist, you work in eye hospitals, clinics and mining community health centres. In hospitals, you are likely to work indoors in sterilised and climate-controlled work environments. You spend most of the day evaluating patients' eye problems in the office. Most eye clinics are surrounded by specialised equipment for evaluating eye conditions. In community clinics, you work in diverse environments. Apart from assisting patients in clinics, you may work outdoors during community outreach programs. Sometimes, you conduct vision screening in schools and rehabilitation centres. Some orthoptists work in university departments researching the latest eye techniques.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include ophthalmic technicians, pharmacists , radiologists, radiographers , and ophthalmic nurses. You might also be working close to laboratory scientists, optical dispensers, and other specialists that could consist of, but not be limited to, clinic coordinators, doctors and nurse managers.

Orthoptists work regular full-time business hours of 38 hours a week. However, in hospitals and 24-hour clinics, you are likely to work shifts, including late nights and weekends. Part-time positions are often available in hospitals. Since most employers provide flexible work arrangements, orthoptists also work on a freelance basis. Remote working is only possible if you conduct eye tests and examinations throughout the day. However, you can guide a remote team through an eye procedure or rehabilitation program.

As an orthoptist, you progress from an entry-level professional to a specialist or advanced level. Eventually, you can head the orthoptics department or take on other clinical management roles. Some orthoptists work in research institutes and health facilities. Other orthoptists develop careers as lecturers or clinical researchers.

advantages of finding an orthoptist job through randstad

Finding your orthoptist job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an orthoptist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what are the responsibilities of an orthoptist?

As an orthoptist, you assist patients with eye disorders. You diagnose and detect eye problems in patients and develop a treatment plan for eye diseases and visual impairments. You can specialise in dealing with problems associated with eye movements or treat general visual disorders.

how much does an orthoptist make?

In Australia, orthoptists earn an average salary of $80,000 per year. Entry-level orthoptists with minimal experience receive a remuneration package of $70,000 annually. With experience, you can receive a salary of $90,000 per year. The earnings depend on your experience, educational qualifications and employer.

is an orthoptist a promising career?

Working as an orthoptist allows you to help people with visual impairments and eye problems. The career is highly demanded, with a projected job growth rate of 15.1% in the next five years. You also have exciting opportunities for career growth since you can specialise further or move to higher medical professions in the eye department.

how do I become an orthoptist?

In Australia, you require a bachelor's degree in orthoptics, which takes four years, and to register with the AOB to practice. Work experience is also important since it prepares you for the role. You can gain experience through internships.

what skills does an orthoptist need?

As an orthoptist, you require observation skills to accurately diagnose problems with eye movements. You can identify even the most challenging conditions to diagnose if you are attentive to details. You work with various patients, and communication skills are essential to communicate clearly. With good communication skills, you can explain difficult medical terms in simple language.

how do I apply for an orthoptist vacancy?

Applying for an orthoptist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

orthoptist

what is an orthoptist?

As an orthoptist, you treat eye movement disorders and visual impairments caused by the eye's interactions with the brain. The role requires expertise in diagnosing defects in binocular vision. Visual problems usually occur due to muscle or nerve issues affecting the brain's communication with the eyes. Orthoptists see patients experiencing symptoms like blurred, double and oscillating vision. Some patients exhibit outward signs like uncontrolled movement or misalignment of eyes.

Orthoptists are trained to provide a range of treatments to manage and correct eye conditions. You assist patients in managing their visual problems and provide remedies like eye exercises, glasses, prisms or eye patches. Sometimes, you work with patients with neurological conditions that affect vision, like brain tumours or strokes. You help manage the symptoms and assist with the general rehabilitation of the patients.

As an orthoptist, you work in hospitals providing eye care services to patients. You can also work in eye clinics, medical research centres and private practices. Some orthoptists work in the health and social assistance industry or provide services in mining community health clinics.

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average orthoptist salary

The average remuneration package of an orthoptist is $80,000 per year. When you start in the role, you will receive a salary of $70,000 annually. With experience and additional qualifications, your earnings increase to $90,000 annually. The salary range depends on many factors, including the size of the hospital and your educational qualifications.

what factors affect the salary of an orthoptist?

The remuneration package of an orthoptist depends on educational qualifications and experience. When you are in an entry-level position, your salary is lower due to the minimal experience you have in the role. As you improve your expertise or specialise in specific areas of orthoptics, your remuneration package also increases.

Aside from your professional qualifications and experience, your employer also influences your earnings. When you work in a large hospital or eye clinic, you are likely to earn more than orthoptists working in smaller clinics. Working in a specialist hospital also increases your salary. Some territories have higher remuneration ranges for orthoptist due to the high demand for the role.

Want to know more about what you will earn as a orthoptist? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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orthoptist careers

2

types of orthoptists

Some of the types of orthoptists include:

clinical orthoptists: you work in eye clinics or departments in large hospitals. Your job is to diagnose and treat visual problems in patients seeking specialised treatment. You also work with other healthcare professionals to assist with managing eye problems in patients with neurological conditions.
community orthoptists: you work in community health centres or schools managing visual problems in children and adults. Sometimes, you work in rehabilitation centres to help patients with various visual issues due to their occupation. For instance, workers in the mining industry with eye-related crises can benefit from your services. You provide remedies for misalignment and problems related to eye movements.
paediatric orthoptists: you assist children with neurological problems that affect their vision. You work in children's hospitals or special schools to help with the diagnosis and care for blurred vision caused by eye movement problems.

woman conversing with man wearing glasses

3

working as an orthoptist

As an orthoptist, you diagnose eye movement disorders and defects and conduct rehabilitation problems. If you fancy a career as an orthoptist, check out the daily duties, responsibilities and work schedules.

orthoptist job description
The specific tasks of orthoptists depend on the needs of the patient. However, some standard tasks for orthoptists include:
- performing patient examinations: as an orthoptist, you examine patients' eyes and evaluate their vision to detect any problems. Most patients are referred to an orthoptist when they present symptoms like misalignment and blurred or double vision. Your job is to undertake the necessary vision evaluation tests to diagnose eye movement disorders. Orthoptists usually diagnose eye problems like glaucoma, diplopia and genetic disorders.
- formulating treatment plans: as an orthoptist, you create care plans and remedies to resolve eye problems in patients. Before settling on a treatment plan and corrective action, you explain the eye conditions to the patients and give them treatment options.
- administering treatment: orthoptists use specialised equipment to treat vision problems in patients using devices like specialist glasses and eye patches. You also prescribe medication for managing conditions or recommend exercises to improve eye movements. If the visual disorder requires surgery, you work closely with the ophthalmologist to plan the corrective surgery.
- conducting rehabilitation programs: you work with patients with illnesses like stroke, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions that affect nerves. Your job is to rehabilitate them and improve their vision. You also assess children's visual problems with specific needs and provide treatment plans.
- maintaining a record of patient histories: as an orthoptist, you write reports of patients' visual problems and update their medical histories with the latest remedies and corrective eye procedures. Keeping records makes it easier to follow a patient's care plan and look for alternative solutions if the treatment isn't working.
- advising patients on visual health issues: your job is to guide patients on general eye problems. For instance, you advise patients on elderly vision care, corrective optics and contact lens care. You also assist with occupational eye problems.
work environment

As an orthoptist, you work in eye hospitals, clinics and mining community health centres. In hospitals, you are likely to work indoors in sterilised and climate-controlled work environments. You spend most of the day evaluating patients' eye problems in the office. Most eye clinics are surrounded by specialised equipment for evaluating eye conditions. In community clinics, you work in diverse environments. Apart from assisting patients in clinics, you may work outdoors during community outreach programs. Sometimes, you conduct vision screening in schools and rehabilitation centres. Some orthoptists work in university departments researching the latest eye techniques.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include ophthalmic technicians, pharmacists, radiologists, radiographers, and ophthalmic nurses. You might also be working close to laboratory scientists, optical dispensers, and other specialists that could consist of, but not be limited to, clinic coordinators, doctors and nurse managers.
work schedule

Orthoptists work regular full-time business hours of 38 hours a week. However, in hospitals and 24-hour clinics, you are likely to work shifts, including late nights and weekends. Part-time positions are often available in hospitals. Since most employers provide flexible work arrangements, orthoptists also work on a freelance basis. Remote working is only possible if you conduct eye tests and examinations throughout the day. However, you can guide a remote team through an eye procedure or rehabilitation program.
job outlook

As an orthoptist, you progress from an entry-level professional to a specialist or advanced level. Eventually, you can head the orthoptics department or take on other clinical management roles. Some orthoptists work in research institutes and health facilities. Other orthoptists develop careers as lecturers or clinical researchers.
advantages of finding an orthoptist job through randstad
Finding your orthoptist job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an orthoptist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

Some of the academic qualifications of an orthoptist include the following:

bachelor's degree: enrol for a bachelor's degree in orthoptics. The four-year course includes theoretical learning and practical experience to prepare you for the role. Before graduation, you are expected to complete a mandatory internship program. For mandatory placement, you require a police check, children's check, first aid and CPR certificate.
further education and qualifications: if you already have a degree in a medical course, complete a postgraduate study like a master's in orthoptics. Registering with the Australian Orthoptic Board (AOB) after graduation and renewing your membership every two years is also crucial. Renewing membership requires continuing professional development in the field.

orthoptist skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of an orthoptist include the following:

communication skills: you require communication skills to explain patient conditions clearly. Before commencing any procedures, it is essential to explain treatment and care plans to patients. Writing skills are also necessary for preparing reports.
teamwork skills: you work alongside various eye care specialists to provide eye treatment plans. A collaborative approach to work and teamwork skills help you work well with others.
problem-solving skills: you rely on your logical and critical thinking skills to diagnose eye problems and resolve the conditions. When a patient has a unique eye condition, you use your problem-solving skills to research the best solutions to their issues.
observation skills: you examine a patient's eyes to diagnose eye movement and visual problems. Therefore, you require observational skills and attention to detail to identify the symptoms of visual problems.
attention to detail: as an orthoptist, you require detail-oriented skills to avoid making mistakes during eye procedures. Any small details can affect the care plans and the patient's ability to see. When you are performing eye surgeries, you require detail-oriented skills.
customer service skills: as an orthoptist, you work with patients of different ages and backgrounds. You can be personable and build trust and continued relationships with customers when you have outstanding customer service.

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FAQs about working as an orthoptist

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of orthoptist.

what are the responsibilities of an orthoptist?

As an orthoptist, you assist patients with eye disorders. You diagnose and detect eye problems in patients and develop a treatment plan for eye diseases and visual impairments. You can specialise in dealing with problems associated with eye movements or treat general visual disorders.
how much does an orthoptist make?

In Australia, orthoptists earn an average salary of $80,000 per year. Entry-level orthoptists with minimal experience receive a remuneration package of $70,000 annually. With experience, you can receive a salary of $90,000 per year. The earnings depend on your experience, educational qualifications and employer.
is an orthoptist a promising career?

Working as an orthoptist allows you to help people with visual impairments and eye problems. The career is highly demanded, with a projected job growth rate of 15.1% in the next five years. You also have exciting opportunities for career growth since you can specialise further or move to higher medical professions in the eye department.
how do I become an orthoptist?

In Australia, you require a bachelor's degree in orthoptics, which takes four years, and to register with the AOB to practice. Work experience is also important since it prepares you for the role. You can gain experience through internships.
what skills does an orthoptist need?

As an orthoptist, you require observation skills to accurately diagnose problems with eye movements. You can identify even the most challenging conditions to diagnose if you are attentive to details. You work with various patients, and communication skills are essential to communicate clearly. With good communication skills, you can explain difficult medical terms in simple language.
how do I apply for an orthoptist vacancy?

Applying for an orthoptist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

orthoptist.