What Does it Take to Be an Orthoptist?
Job Description & Duties Diagnose and treat visual system disorders such as binocular vision and eye movement impairments.
What Do Orthoptists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Interpret clinical or diagnostic test results.
- Provide training related to clinical methods or orthoptics to students, resident physicians, or other health professionals.
- Collaborate with ophthalmologists, optometrists, or other specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, or management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases.
- Develop or use special test and communication techniques to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of children or disabled patients.
- Perform vision screening of children in schools or community health centers.
- Assist ophthalmologists in diagnostic ophthalmic procedures, such as ultrasonography, fundus photography, and tonometry.
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Things an Orthoptist Should Know How to Do
When polled, Orthoptists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve 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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Orthoptist
- Chief Orthoptist
- Clinical Orthoptist (CO)
- Orthoptist
- Certified Orthoptist
Job Demand for Orthoptists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 56,400 jobs in the United States for Orthoptist. 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.
Orthoptist Average Salary
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 different U.S. states?
| 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 do Orthoptists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Orthoptists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Email software
How to Become an Orthoptist
Education needed to be an Orthoptist:
What work experience do I need to become an Orthoptist?
Where Orthoptists Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Orthoptists work:
References:
Image Credit: Aphiwat chuangchoem via Creative Commons Zero (CC0)
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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