Orthoptist
Diagnose and manage a variety of eye health conditions in adults and children
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be an Orthoptist?
- How to become an Orthoptist
- Latest Orthoptist jobs
- Top skills and experience for Orthoptists
- Orthoptist role reviews
What's it like to be an Orthoptist?
Orthoptists help patients with eye disorders. They detect, diagnose and manage the treatment of eye diseases and visual impairments and may specialise in one or more areas of orthoptics.
Tasks and duties
- Diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects.
- Measuring and assessing vision and prescribing glasses when appropriate.
- Detecting, diagnosing and treating eye disorders including glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
- Conducting rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired.
- Advising on matters of visual health including contact lens care, vision care for the elderly, corrective optics and occupational and industrial eye safety.
- Working with medical practitioners and other allied health professionals.
How to become an Orthoptist
You need a bachelor degree in orthoptics in order to become an Orthoptist. It is also recommended to register with the Australian Orthoptic Board (AOB) and become a member of Orthoptics Australia.
- Complete a Bachelor of Orthoptics. This is a four-year course of full-time study, consisting of three years of undergraduate study and one year of Honours. Applicants are required to hold a Police Check, a Working with Children Check and immunisations before commencing mandatory placements. A First Aid or CPR certificate will also be required prior to graduation.
- Alternatively, complete postgraduate study, such as the Master of Orthoptics. This is a two-year course of full-time study.
- Upon graduation, register with the AOB. AOB registration is renewable every two years and requires continuing professional development (CPD).
- Consider becoming a member of Orthoptics Australia. Membership is renewable annually.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Orthoptists.Latest Orthoptist jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Orthoptist jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Orthoptist employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Orthoptics
Ophthalmology
Paediatrics
Patient Care
Refractive Eye Surgery
Clinical Data
Community Outreach
Triage
Ophthalmic Science
Childrens Health Care
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Orthoptist reviews
Apr 2023
I enjoy my job and feel I make a difference
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Orthoptic and Ophthalmic Sciences
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationHealthcare & Medical
The good thingsOrthoptic’s is a great career choice for those wanting to work as part of a health care team.
I’ve worked in specialist clinics and hospital environments as an orthoptist and have enjoyed both. I di...
The challengesYou can sometimes feel undervalued and the doctors can sometimes be rude but I refuse to work for anyone like that now.
There is also pressure to see a certain number of patients per session in some p...
Read more
Jul 2022
Orthoptist is a very confined role with no autonomy or recognition. Stable job but minimal pay and no career progression.
Reviewer's QualificationMaster of Orthoptics
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationHealthcare & Medical
The good thingsLimited overtime and stable job, very repetitive.
The challengesLimited pay and recognition, no one knows what an is an orthoptist.
Since optometrist already exist as primary care providers and have much greater autonomy, there is no room for growth or career pr...
Read more
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
