What Does it Take to Be an Orthoptist?
Orthoptist Example Diagnose and treat visual system disorders such as binocular vision and eye movement impairments.
What Do Orthoptists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Interpret clinical or diagnostic test results.
- Provide training related to clinical methods or orthoptics to students, resident physicians, or other health professionals.
- Provide instructions to patients or family members concerning diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Evaluate, diagnose, or treat disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision or abnormal eye movements.
- Perform vision screening of children in schools or community health centers.
- Collaborate with ophthalmologists, optometrists, or other specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, or management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases.
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Orthoptist Required Skills
When polled, Orthoptists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Orthoptist Jobs
- Chief Orthoptist
- Clinical Orthoptist (CO)
- Orthoptist
- Certified Orthoptist
Are There Job Opportunities for Orthoptists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 56,400 jobs in the United States for Orthoptist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,500 new jobs for Orthoptist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,800 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Orthoptist are Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, South Dakota, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Orthoptist Salary
Orthoptists make between $40,910 and $141,330 a year.

Orthoptists who work in Maryland, District of Columbia, or Georgia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Orthoptists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $75,360 |
Alaska | $74,750 |
Arizona | $70,780 |
California | $74,080 |
Colorado | $61,630 |
Connecticut | $79,750 |
Delaware | $87,300 |
District of Columbia | $122,830 |
Florida | $66,660 |
Georgia | $107,530 |
Hawaii | $76,650 |
Idaho | $59,640 |
Illinois | $67,600 |
Indiana | $61,420 |
Kansas | $72,840 |
Kentucky | $60,670 |
Louisiana | $104,930 |
Maine | $79,090 |
Maryland | $126,550 |
Massachusetts | $88,290 |
Michigan | $78,210 |
Minnesota | $86,010 |
Mississippi | $67,310 |
Missouri | $68,600 |
Montana | $73,070 |
Nebraska | $51,310 |
Nevada | $52,800 |
New Hampshire | $72,400 |
New Jersey | $89,220 |
New Mexico | $70,490 |
New York | $77,400 |
North Carolina | $92,950 |
North Dakota | $48,300 |
Ohio | $84,760 |
Oklahoma | $72,510 |
Oregon | $83,430 |
Pennsylvania | $77,950 |
Rhode Island | $79,950 |
South Carolina | $72,050 |
South Dakota | $63,640 |
Tennessee | $59,990 |
Texas | $70,270 |
Utah | $74,310 |
Vermont | $83,520 |
Virginia | $86,250 |
Washington | $89,590 |
West Virginia | $64,840 |
Wisconsin | $75,260 |
What Tools do Orthoptists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Orthoptists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Email software
How to Become an Orthoptist
Education needed to be an Orthoptist:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Orthoptists Are Employed

Orthoptists work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Aphiwat chuangchoem via Creative Commons Zero (CC0)
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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