Orthoptist

You can study for a degree in orthoptics, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .

Some courses offer a foundation year. This is for students returning to education who may not have the standard entry requirements.

Work experience

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience, for example in a local orthoptic department. It also shows your commitment to working in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

You can also find out work shadowing opportunities from the British and Irish Orthoptics Society.

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

You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would 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 a career in orthoptics from the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and Health Careers .

As an orthoptist, you could:

• diagnose and treat eye disorders like double vision and squints
• manage conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disease
• provide treatments, such as contact lenses, eye exercises or low vision aids
• work with patients recovering from head injury or stroke
• take part in community and school screening programmes
• promote the importance of good eye care
• refer patients to other health professionals when needed, such as optometrists and eye surgeons

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