Employers

Orthoptists work in a variety of places, including private practices, medical centers, clinics, and hospitals. They may also work for research organizations, conducting clinical research in orthoptics and writing about their work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported orthoptists as part of approximately 56,800 health diagnosing practitioners employed in the United States.

Starting Out

Many orthoptists get their first jobs during practical training programs in hospitals. They may receive job offers upon completion of the training program. Ask your school's career services office for job-search assistance. Another way to find job listings is through professional associations and by searching Web sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, SimplyHired, among others.

Orthoptists who work in hospitals or large medical facilities and clinics may advance to become senior orthoptist after five or more years of experience. After many years on the job, they may become department heads, responsible for overseeing a team of medical professionals and related staff members. They may get certification and go back to school for an advanced degree. They may start their own private practice. Orthoptists also advance in their careers by teaching and writing about orthoptics.

Find information about education and careers for vision care specialists, including orthoptists, by visiting this Web site, https://www.opticianedu.org/orthoptist-career.

A part-time or summer job in an orthoptists' office is a great way to gain exposure to this field and learn more about the job. Ask your school's career services office for help with finding job opportunities.

Join a professional association, such as the American Association of Certified Orthoptists (https://www.orthoptics.org) for access to educational programs, networking events, and other resources.

Keep up with developments and news in the orthoptics field by reading publications such as the Journal of Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility, https://www.orthoptics.org/aoj.