Job File: Orthoptist

You are probably all familiar with the métier of ophthalmologist and that of optician. These are the most popular of the optician-related professions, but there is a third essential career path: that of the orthoptist. In this fact sheet, we'll cover all its aspects. So, warm up your coffee and join us in the world of orthoptics!

What is an orthoptist?

Orthoptists are specialists in ocular detection, education and adaptation. Most of the time, he or she is commissioned by the ophthalmologist to diagnose certain pathologies. Although the two professions are similar, they should not be confused: the ophthalmologist is a physician, while the orthoptist is a professional who focuses on visual rehabilitation and the correction of ocular muscular imbalances. His rôle is crucial in helping patients of all âges à improve their functional vision and quality of life.

Rôle and responsibilities of the orthoptist

We have been able to establish some of the essential functions of the métier d’orthoptiste. Now let's get into the details of his day-to-day responsibilities: 

• The diagnosis

So his main rôle, at least the first in the chronology of his tâches. Orthoptists carry out visual examinations to identify eye disorders such as strabismus, amblyopia, convergence disorders and ocular motor anomalies. To achieve this, he employs a variety of tools and techniques, such as visual acuity assessment, measurement of dé angles or motor tests.

• La réducation

Once the work of identifying pathologies has been completed, the orthoptist sets up a personalized treatment plan aimed at improving or correcting anomalies. These programs can take many forms, but are mainly aimed at strengthening eye muscles, eye coordination or prescribing devices (glasses and/or contact lenses).

• Collaboration 

It's not uncommon for orthoptists to need to draw on the skills of other professionals in order to care for patients. Whether it's a neurologist, ophthalmologist or psychiatrist, the contribution of combined care can improve and accelerate the quality of treatment.

• Follow-up

It’s a charnière part of his job. The orthoptist regularly assesses patients' progress and adjusts educational programs accordingly. This follow-up ensures the effectiveness of care.

• L’éducation et la prévention

While this is not the main focus of their work, orthoptists also perform educational functions, particularly with young patients (i.e. children). They provide information about the disorders affecting them, treatment options and preventive techniques to avoid aggravation. More rarely, he may intervene in schools or other venues to raise awareness of visual health issues.

Training and qualifications required to become an orthoptist

Academic path

In France, to become an orthoptist, you need to obtain the certificat de capacité d’orthoptiste. The latter lasts 3 years and is open to students holding a scientific baccalaureate, a technician's certificate or a vocational certificate. Admission is by application and interview via the Parcoursup platform. There are 16 training institutes attached to the UFR de médecine throughout France.

This Bachelor's-level training provides training in all the responsibilities of the orthoptist we have outlined in the previous section. Throughout the 3 years of study, the orthoptist will take 1400 cumulative hours of lectures, tutorials and internships:

• 1ʳᵉ année : courses on anatomy, physiology of the eye, theoretical and physiological optics, oculomotor pathology, neuropsychology, instrumentation and exploration of oculomotricity, emotional development of the eye, oculomotor physiology, oculomotor pathology, oculomotor pathology, oculomotor instrumentation and exploration, oculomotor instrumentation and exploration, oculomotor instrumentation and exploration, oculomotor instrumentation and exploration, oculomotor instrumentation and exploration, oculomotor instrumentation and exploration, oculomotor instrumentation and exploration, oculomotor instrumentation and exploration, oculomotor instrumentation and exploration, oculomotor instrumentation and exploration;volution affective de l’enfant, la psychologie de l’enfant inadapté, les notions psychologiques pratiques, les méthodes d’examen, la santé publique et eeacute;thique médicale et les techniques pléorthoptiques.
• 2ᵉ année : basic notions of statistics, anatomy, theoretical and physiological optics, emotional development of the child, psychology of the maladjusted child;practical psychological notions, neurophysiology of vision, optics, ophthalmological pathologies, learning and psychopathology, instrumentation, examination methods, pléorthoptic techniques.
• 3ᵉ année : anatomy, optics, physiology, emotional development of the child, psychology of the maladjusted child, practical psychological concepts, instrumentation, ophthalmic pathologies, ophthalmic surgery;instrumentation, ophthalmological and general pathologies, neuropsychology, low vision rehabilitation methods and complementary examination techniques.

&After 3 years of training to become an orthoptist, the student will have to pass a series of oral and written exams to earn his or her diploma and be eligible to apply for a job as an orthoptist.

Essential skills and qualities of an orthoptist

On a day-to-day basis, the high degree of expertise required to carry out their missions demands that orthoptists master a wide range of technical skills and human qualities, including:

• Technical skills

• Knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology
• Diagnostic techniques
• Ability to develop educational programs
• Computer and technological skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Effective communication
• Empathy and patience
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Problem solving
• Dextérité et précisions

Work environment and conditions

Orthoptists have several options when it comes to choosing the location and type of structure in which they want to practice. Among all the possible solutions, we should mention:

• Hospitals : within these dynamic entities, orthoptists are often attached to ophthalmology departments, to jointly treat numerous visual pathologies. This environment allows them to be confronted with complex and therefore stimulating cases.
• Orthoptic practices and clinics : often private, these settings offer greater flexibility in the orthoptist's working hours and patient management. It's a less stressful setting than the hospital, because the workload is more visible.
• Réducation centers : these environments enable orthoptists to focus on the visual réducation of patients who have suffered accidents or incapacitating surgical procedures. Pluridisciplinary, réducation centers provide the opportunity to collaborate with physiotherapists, neurologists and other specialists, creating an enriching workspace.
• Les écoles : some specialized educational institutions for children with special needs employ orthoptists. This makes it possible to assess and treat visual disorders that may affect a child’s learning directly on site.

Carriage and outlook

Other than the work environment, the orthoptist has several options to boost his or her career or simply change his or her daily routine: 

Specialization : whether they choose to focus on pediatric, neurological or recreational orthoptics, orthoptists have many ways of making their profile rarer and obtaining better conditions of practice. 

Opening a practice : the experienced orthoptist can choose to open his or her own practice. They will enjoy greater autonomy, have their own patients and can set their own prices. In return, he will have to assume financial and administrative responsibilities.

Positions of responsibility : with further training, the orthoptist may, in the course of his or her career, rise to the position of head of department or program coordinator. His or her missions will then be significantly different, as he or she will have to supervise collaborators and coordinate their actions.

Research and/or teaching : the orthoptist will be able to get involved in transmitting his or her know-how to students. They may also participate in clinical studies or in the development of new techniques and technologies.

Salary and benefits of the orthoptist profession

In France, the salary of an orthoptist is influenced by various factors such as type of practice (salaried or self-employed), remuneration, experience and location. Taken together, these criteria make it possible to define a coherent average salary, and help orthoptists make the most of their expertise.

In addition, this specialist can benefit from numerous social or financial advantages under these same conditions.

To learn more about this topic, browse our orthoptist salary sheet!!

In conclusion, the orthoptist profession is a specialized, demanding but rewarding health profession. With solid training, developed technical and interpersonal skills, and varied career opportunities, orthoptists play a key role in the field of vision and visual rehabilitation.