Orthoptist
Quick Facts
Median Salary$56,325
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+11.12%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
An Orthoptist works with patients who have eye movement abnormalities or problems related to injuries. Assists and works under the direction of ophthalmologists. Performs tests to assess vision problems, provides therapy for patients and teaches patients about therapeutic exercises and treatments.
Core Tasks:
- Take and document patients' medical histories.
- Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
- Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.
- Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
- Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
- Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
- Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
- Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.
- Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
- Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
- Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.
- Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.
- Assess refractive conditions of eyes, using retinoscopes.
- Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.
- Assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses.
- Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.
What to expect as an Orthoptist
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
34% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Orthoptist related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
75 openings for Orthoptists
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Orthoptist. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.
No data available for this career.