Annual Salary
£30,000 to £53,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Orthoptists work with a team of specialists to diagnose and treat eye problems.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings; flexibly
There will be
3.8% more Orthoptist jobs in 2027.
Depending on where you work, as an orthoptist you could:
You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in the community.
You can get into this job through a university course.
You'll need to get a degree in orthoptics, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
There's a lot of competition for places on orthoptics degree courses, so you'll need to show an understanding and commitment to orthoptics before you apply.
Work experience
Before you apply for a course, you'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare, for example in a local orthoptic department.
The British and Irish Orthoptics Society can also give you information on work shadowing opportunities.
NHS Learning Support Fund
As well as a student loan, you might be able to get financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
You'll usually need:
You'll need to:
When applying for courses and jobs, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values apply in your work.
You could join the British and Irish Orthoptic Society, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Student membership is free of charge until you graduate.
You can find out more about careers in orthoptics from the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and Health Careers.
With experience you could:become a specialist orthoptist and work with specific groups of people such as children or people affected by stroke; become a head or consultant orthoptist, and manage a team or department; take further qualifications and move into research or teaching; work in private practice and set up your own clinic
You'll need: