Orthoptist

You can study for 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 .

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply to an NHS trust to do an Orthoptist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes 3 years to complete and is a mix of training on the job and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• search for apprenticeships on NHS Jobs|https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate
• find an apprenticeship|https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Career Tips

When applying for courses and jobs, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values apply in your work.

Professional and Industry Bodies

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.

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in orthoptics from the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and Health Careers .

Depending on where you work, as an orthoptist you could:

• diagnose squints, lazy eyes, reduced or double vision, and disorders
• manage conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, stroke, retinal disease and neurological disorders
• carry out vision tests on children
• suggest treatments like eye patches, eye exercises, contact lenses or low vision aids
• refer clients to other healthcare professionals like optometrists , eye surgeons and vision scientists

You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in the community.