Career Prospects

Studying Orthoptics is interesting and challenging with excellent employment opportunities. “You need to think of your career as a skills escalator”.

Garth tells us about career prospects and progression through the NHS Bands.

Qualifications in Orthoptics is recognised worldwide and 90 to 100% of Orthoptic graduates find employment within 6 months of graduation.

Most orthoptists are employed in the NHS, where there is an established career structure. Career progression depends on gaining experience and expanding your role within the eye care team.

Many AHPs want to maintain clinical contact when taking on new roles and challenges. There are many opportunities to work at the top of your licence. Specific areas of advanced and extended roles may include:

•Glaucoma

• Uveitis

• Cataract

• Refraction

• Nystagmus and Eye Movement Tracking

• Special Educational Needs

• Low Vision Aids

• Stroke and Visual Fields

• Medical retina

• Strabismus management (pre/post-operative and assistant in theatre)

• Paediatric ophthalmology

• Neuro ophthalmology

• Visual Processing Disorders

• Clinical Tutoring

• Education

• Research

• Management and leadership

There are many ways to transform clinical careers and influence the way that we sit in the wider workforce. You can become involved in:

• Operational management

• Project management

• Quality improvement

• Commissioning

• Digital leadership

• Sponsored secondments