NHS Opportunity: Orthoptist

Orthoptist Current Vacancies

2006-11-27:

Orthoptists investigate, diagnose and treat physical obstructions to eye movement or vision, and any abnormalities that affect the eye muscles or nerves supplying the muscles.

Orthoptists refer patients to other specialists when they identify vision problems caused by conditions such as brain tumours.

Much of their work is with children, but they can work with patients of all ages who have eye disorders, maxillofacial injuries, or who are undergoing rehabilitation following a stroke.

Orthoptists keep records of treatment plans and patients progress.

Orthoptists usually work 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Part-time work and job sharing may be available.

Orthoptists can be based in examination rooms in hospital ophthalmic departments, on the wards and in outpatient clinics.

Some orthoptists are community-based, working in health centres, day nurseries, special schools, school clinics or mobile clinics.

Many orthoptists combine hospital and community work. Others work as lecturers in universities.

The majority of orthoptics are employed in the NHS but some work in private hospitals and universities.

The NHS has a clearly defined careers and promotion structure from basic grade orthoptist to head orthoptist.

British orthoptic training and qualifications are recognised in most countries; there are opportunities to work overseas.

Orthoptists in private practice may earn more
with senior orthoptists now in the range 27,000 to 36,000 and with head orthoptists potentially earning over 60,000. (Permalink)