What is an Orthoptist?
Position Description Diagnose and treat visual system disorders such as binocular vision and eye movement impairments.
Life As an Orthoptist: What Do They Do?
- Evaluate, diagnose, or treat disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision or abnormal eye movements.
- Develop or use special test and communication techniques to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of children or disabled patients.
- Refer patients to ophthalmic surgeons or other physicians.
- Present or publish scientific papers.
- Develop nonsurgical treatment plans for patients with conditions such as strabismus, nystagmus, and other visual disorders.
- Provide training related to clinical methods or orthoptics to students, resident physicians, or other health professionals.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Orthoptist?
Orthoptists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Orthoptist Jobs
- Certified Orthoptist
- Clinical Orthoptist (CO)
- Chief Orthoptist
- Orthoptist
Job Outlook for Orthoptists
There were about 56,400 jobs for Orthoptist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,500 new jobs for Orthoptist by 2026. The BLS estimates 3,800 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Orthoptist are Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, South Dakota, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Orthoptist
The average yearly salary of an Orthoptist ranges between $40,910 and $141,330.
Orthoptists who work in Maryland, District of Columbia, or Georgia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Orthoptists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $75,360 |
| Alaska | $74,750 |
| Arizona | $70,780 |
| California | $74,080 |
| Colorado | $61,630 |
| Connecticut | $79,750 |
| Delaware | $87,300 |
| District of Columbia | $122,830 |
| Florida | $66,660 |
| Georgia | $107,530 |
| Hawaii | $76,650 |
| Idaho | $59,640 |
| Illinois | $67,600 |
| Indiana | $61,420 |
| Kansas | $72,840 |
| Kentucky | $60,670 |
| Louisiana | $104,930 |
| Maine | $79,090 |
| Maryland | $126,550 |
| Massachusetts | $88,290 |
| Michigan | $78,210 |
| Minnesota | $86,010 |
| Mississippi | $67,310 |
| Missouri | $68,600 |
| Montana | $73,070 |
| Nebraska | $51,310 |
| Nevada | $52,800 |
| New Hampshire | $72,400 |
| New Jersey | $89,220 |
| New Mexico | $70,490 |
| New York | $77,400 |
| North Carolina | $92,950 |
| North Dakota | $48,300 |
| Ohio | $84,760 |
| Oklahoma | $72,510 |
| Oregon | $83,430 |
| Pennsylvania | $77,950 |
| Rhode Island | $79,950 |
| South Carolina | $72,050 |
| South Dakota | $63,640 |
| Tennessee | $59,990 |
| Texas | $70,270 |
| Utah | $74,310 |
| Vermont | $83,520 |
| Virginia | $86,250 |
| Washington | $89,590 |
| West Virginia | $64,840 |
| Wisconsin | $75,260 |
What Tools & Technology do Orthoptists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Orthoptists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Email software
Becoming an Orthoptist
Are there Orthoptists education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
References:
Image Credit: Aphiwat chuangchoem via Creative Commons Zero (CC0)
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