Job File: Orthoptist

You're probably all familiar with the professions of ophthalmologist and optician. Of the eye-related professions, these are the most popular, but in addition to one or the other, there's a third essential career: that of the orthoptist. In this fact sheet, we'll take a look at all aspects of the profession. So, warm up your coffee and join us in the world of orthoptics!

What is an orthoptist?

An orthoptist is a specialist in ocular screening, re-education and rehabilitation. In most cases, they are called in by ophthalmologists to diagnose certain pathologies. While the two professions are similar, they should not be confused: the ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, while the orthoptist is a professional who focuses on visual re-education and the correction of ocular muscular imbalances. Their role is crucial in helping patients of all ages improve their functional vision and quality of life.

Role and responsibilities of the orthoptist

We have already established some of the essential functions of the orthoptist's profession. Let's now go into the details of the orthoptist's day-to-day responsibilities:

• Diagnosis: if not the orthoptist's main role, at least the first in the chronology of tasks. Orthoptists carry out visual examinations to detect ocular disorders such as strabismus, amblyopia, convergence disorders or ocular motor anomalies. To achieve this, he or she uses a variety of tools and techniques, such as visual acuity assessment, measurement of deviation angles or motor skills tests.

• Rehabilitation: 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 unusual for orthoptists to need to draw on the skills of other professionals in order to treat patients. Whether it's a neurologist, ophthalmologist or pediatrician, combined care can improve and accelerate the quality of treatment.

• Follow-up: this is a pivotal part of the orthoptist's work. The orthoptist regularly assesses patients' progress and adjusts rehabilitation programs accordingly. This follow-up ensures the effectiveness of the treatment.

• Education and prevention: although this is not the core of the orthoptist's work, he or she also has a teaching role, particularly with young patients (i.e., children). They provide them with information about the disorders that affect them, treatment options and prevention techniques to avoid aggravation. More rarely, they may intervene in schools or other venues to raise awareness of visual health issues.

Training and qualifications required to become an orthoptist

Academic background

In France, to become an orthoptist, you need to obtain the certificat de capacité d'orthoptiste. This takes 3 years to complete, and is open to students holding a scientific baccalauréat, a brevet de technicien or a brevet professionnel. Admission is by application and interview via the Parcoursup platform. There are 16 training institutes attached to the UFRs of medicine throughout France.

This Bachelor's-level course provides training in all the orthoptist's responsibilities outlined in the previous section. Over the 3 years of study, orthoptists follow a cumulative total of 1,400 hours of lectures, tutorials and internships:

• 1ʳᵉ year: courses on anatomy, physiology of the eye, theoretical and physiological optics, oculomotor pathology, neuropsychology, instrumentation and exploration of oculomotricity, affective evolution of the child, psychology of the maladjusted child, practical psychological notions, examination methods, public health and medical ethics and pleorthoptic techniques.
• 2ᵉ year: elementary notions of statistics, anatomy, theoretical and physiological optics, affective evolution of the child, psychology of the maladjusted child, practical psychological notions, neurophysiology of vision, optics, ophthalmological pathologies, learning and psychopathology, instrumentation, examination methods, pleorthoptic techniques.
• 3ᵉ year : anatomy, optics, physiology, affective evolution of the child, psychology of the maladjusted child, practical psychological notions, instrumentation, ophthalmological and general pathologies, neuropsychology, low vision rehabilitation methods and complementary examination techniques.

At the end of the 3-year orthoptist training program, students must pass written and oral exams to earn their diploma and be eligible to apply for orthoptist jobs.

Essential skills and qualities of an orthoptist

On a day-to-day basis, the high degree of expertise required to accomplish 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 design rehabilitation programs
  • Computer and technological skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Effective communication skills
• Empathy and patience
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Problem-solving skills
• Dexterity and precision

Working environment and conditions

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

• Hospitals: within these dynamic entities, orthoptists are often attached to ophthalmology departments, to jointly treat numerous visual pathologies. This environment enables them to deal with complex and challenging cases.
• Practices and clinics: often private, these settings offer greater flexibility in the orthoptist's working hours and patient management. It's a less stressful environment than hospital, because the workload is more predictable.
• Rehabilitation centers: these environments enable orthoptists to concentrate on the visual rehabilitation of patients who have suffered accidents or undergone incapacitating surgery. Multidisciplinary, rehabilitation centers offer the opportunity to collaborate with physiotherapists, neurologists and other specialists, creating an enriching workspace.
• Schools: some educational institutions specializing in children with special needs employ orthoptists. This makes it possible to assess and treat visual disorders that may affect a child's learning right on the spot.

Career and development prospects

In addition to the working environment, orthoptists have a number of options for boosting their career or simply changing their daily routine:

• Specialization: whether they choose to focus on pediatric, neurological or rehabilitative orthoptics, orthoptists have many ways of making their profile rarer and obtaining better conditions of practice.
• Opening a practice: experienced orthoptists can choose to open their own practice. They will enjoy greater autonomy, have their own patient base and can set their own prices. In return, they must assume financial and administrative responsibilities.
• Positions of responsibility: with further training, orthoptists can move up to head of department or program coordinator in the course of their career. In this case, the orthoptist's tasks will be significantly different, as he or she will have to supervise colleagues and coordinate their actions.
• Research and/or teaching : orthoptists may be involved in passing on their expertise to students. They may also take part in clinical studies or the development of new techniques and technologies.

Salary and benefits of working as an orthoptist

In France, an orthoptist's salary is influenced by a number of factors, including type of practice (salaried or self-employed), reputation, experience and location. Taken together, these criteria make it possible to define a coherent average salary, helping orthoptists to enhance the value of their expertise.

In addition, orthoptists can benefit from a number of social and financial advantages, depending on the same conditions.

To find out more, take a look at our orthoptist salary sheet!

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