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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.

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.

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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.

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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:

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What work experience do I need to become an Orthoptist?

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Where Orthoptists Are Employed

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Below are examples of industries where Orthoptists work:

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References:

Image Credit: Aphiwat chuangchoem via Creative Commons Zero (CC0)

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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