To qualify as an orthoptist in the UK, you will need to complete a degree in orthoptics, either via the new degree apprenticeships at your local NHS trust or at one of the following Higher Education institutions:
Careers in Eyecare is a cross sector initiative to highlight the range of careers in eye care and eye wear. The award-winning campaign was launched by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) in 2020. Nick Walsh of ABDO says, “Careers in Eyecare was born from a desire to do more to raise awareness of … Continue reading Work with Careers in Eyecare
Work experience Work experience is a great way to gain experience, build skills and get taste for a possible career path. Find out more about work experience via the links below. Student work experience workbook How to find work experience Brighten Your Future With Careers In Eyecare DID YOU KNOW? Careers in eyecare offer a … Continue reading Careers in Eyecare
Campaign aim: highlight the STEM ambassador programme to eye care practitioners (ECPs) and encourage them to sign up and visit schools. Careers in Eyecare has developed a range of supportive materials to facilitate ECPs to work in schools, including: How to become a STEM ambassador Case study: Nick’s experience of his first STEM sessions STEM … Continue reading STEM
All Dispensing opticianEducationFor studentsOptometristStudentsStudyT LevelsApprenticeshipsCareers in eyecareDay in the lifeFor teachersOptical assistantWorkLooking for workOphthalmologistOptical sales repOrthoptistEye clinic liaison officerFor EmployersA levelsExamsGCSEsStudy onlineWork experienceAwards, bursaries and scholarshipsOptical practice managerTraineeshipsSTEMContact lens opticianDesignEngineeringLow vision optician Categories Dispensing optician, Education, For students, Optometrist, Students, Study, T Levels Posted on 10 April 2025 9 April 2025 Opportunities in optics for … Continue reading Orthoptist
Brighten your future with Careers In Eyecare Did you know? Careers in eyecare offer a lot of potential to young people. Open your eyes to the possibilities… Careers for everyone There are many interesting careers in eyecare and eye wear, with entry at all levels. Whatever your background and interests, you can take your next … Continue reading Career guides
See how to become a lens designer with our career guide. What is a lens designer? A lens designer works as part of the research and development department (R&D). They will be involved in the design, development, and testing of new products and geometries produced with free-form technology. What does a lens designer do? A … Continue reading Lens designer
The best way to learn about what an Orthoptist actually does is going and seeing for yourself. BIOS has a specific Work Shadow Lead, whose job it is to help arrange for prospective students to shadow an orthoptist and see what it is they do day to day. You can find out more about this, including who to contact, on the work shadowing page.
Do you need a degree to become an orthoptist?
To qualify as an orthoptist in the UK, you will need to complete a degree in orthoptics, either via the new degree apprenticeships at your local NHS trust or at one of the following Higher Education institutions:
ABDO College offers you and your team courses which allow every staff member to advance. Start with the Optical Assistant course for a great introduction to optics, as well as an ideal way to formalise knowledge gained in practice. Move on to the Senior Optical Assistant course to develop and grow your knowledge and broaden … Continue reading ABDO College
The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) sounds ancient but has a modern purpose. Its mission is to support better vision for all. The Company was founded in 1629 and is living proof that eye health is so much more than a presence on the High Street. The name could be misleading as WCSM members … Continue reading WCSM
All Dispensing opticianEducationFor studentsOptometristStudentsStudyT LevelsApprenticeshipsCareers in eyecareDay in the lifeFor teachersOptical assistantWorkLooking for workOphthalmologistOptical sales repOrthoptistEye clinic liaison officerFor EmployersA levelsExamsGCSEsStudy onlineWork experienceAwards, bursaries and scholarshipsOptical practice managerTraineeshipsSTEMContact lens opticianDesignEngineeringLow vision optician Categories Dispensing optician, Education, For students, Optometrist, Students, Study, T Levels Posted on 10 April 2025 9 April 2025 Opportunities in optics for … Continue reading Orthoptist
Campaign aim: to support the optical industry and highlight Stepper as an ethical and committed frames company. Peter Reeve, Managing Director Stepper (UK) limited says, “Delivering comfort and fit that delights spectacle wearers requires good product and the best dispensing skills, so encouraging professionalism in eyecare early in a career delivers the best possible outcomes … Continue reading Stepper
See how to become a lens designer with our career guide. What is a lens designer? A lens designer works as part of the research and development department (R&D). They will be involved in the design, development, and testing of new products and geometries produced with free-form technology. What does a lens designer do? A … Continue reading Lens designer
Campaign aim: to support the optical industry and highlight Vivid Optical . Danny Alaimo of Vivid Optical says; “Partnering with Careers in Eyecare was an easy decision for Vivid Optical. We are very excited to be involved”. Examples of content with Vivid Optical: Finding a job in optics
As an orthoptist you will need to enjoy spending time with people and offering advice. You will need to be interested in health and how the body develops. You will be people focused.
The best way to learn about what an Orthoptist actually does is going and seeing for yourself. BIOS has a specific Work Shadow Lead, whose job it is to help arrange for prospective students to shadow an orthoptist and see what it is they do day to day. You can find out more about this, including who to contact, on the work shadowing page.
Do you need a degree to become an orthoptist?
To qualify as an orthoptist in the UK, you will need to complete a degree in orthoptics, either via the new degree apprenticeships at your local NHS trust or at one of the following Higher Education institutions:
Would you like to work with Careers in Eyecare to inspire the next generation of eye care professionals? We are always looking for people who will tell us about a day in their working life. All you need to do is answer the following questions and send 3-4 photos of yourself at work. Please email … Continue reading Inspire the next generation
Campaign aim: to support the optical industry and highlight Stepper as an ethical and committed frames company. Peter Reeve, Managing Director Stepper (UK) limited says, “Delivering comfort and fit that delights spectacle wearers requires good product and the best dispensing skills, so encouraging professionalism in eyecare early in a career delivers the best possible outcomes … Continue reading Stepper
All Dispensing opticianEducationFor studentsOptometristStudentsStudyT LevelsApprenticeshipsCareers in eyecareDay in the lifeFor teachersOptical assistantWorkLooking for workOphthalmologistOptical sales repOrthoptistEye clinic liaison officerFor EmployersA levelsExamsGCSEsStudy onlineWork experienceAwards, bursaries and scholarshipsOptical practice managerTraineeshipsSTEMContact lens opticianDesignEngineeringLow vision optician Categories Dispensing optician, Education, For students, Optometrist, Students, Study, T Levels Posted on 10 April 2025 9 April 2025 Opportunities in optics for … Continue reading Orthoptist
Careers in eyecare FAQsI’ve been to the optician’s and it looks like it might be an interesting place to work. What are my options?There are a number of people who work in an optical practice: the optometrist, the dispensing optician, and usually a number of optical assistants or receptionists. In some practices you will also … Continue reading FAQs
See how to become an dispensing optician with our career guide What is a Dispensing Optician? A dispensing optician (DO) advises on, fits and supplies the most appropriate spectacles after taking account of each person’s visual, lifestyle and vocational needs. Dispensing opticians also play an important role in advising and dispensing low vision aids to … Continue reading Dispensing optician
ABDO College offers you and your team courses which allow every staff member to advance. Start with the Optical Assistant course for a great introduction to optics, as well as an ideal way to formalise knowledge gained in practice. Move on to the Senior Optical Assistant course to develop and grow your knowledge and broaden … Continue reading ABDO College
To become an orthoptist, you require a degree in orthoptics, from university or via the new degree apprenticeships. You can find out more about the course, including where you can study, here. The entry requirements vary for each university so please check their websites for more detail.
The general requirements are that you must have good GCSE Maths, English and Science grades and A levels/Highers or equivalent, with at least one science subject such as Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry. Alternative qualifications are considered and mature students are welcome to apply.
As an orthoptist you will need to enjoy spending time with people and offering advice. You will need to be interested in health and how the body develops. You will be people focused.
The best way to learn about what an Orthoptist actually does is going and seeing for yourself. BIOS has a specific Work Shadow Lead, whose job it is to help arrange for prospective students to shadow an orthoptist and see what it is they do day to day. You can find out more about this, including who to contact, on the work shadowing page.
Do you need a degree to become an orthoptist?
To qualify as an orthoptist in the UK, you will need to complete a degree in orthoptics, either via the new degree apprenticeships at your local NHS trust or at one of the following Higher Education institutions:
Careers in Eyecare is a cross sector initiative to highlight the range of careers in eye care and eye wear. The award-winning campaign was launched by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) in 2020. Nick Walsh of ABDO says, “Careers in Eyecare was born from a desire to do more to raise awareness of … Continue reading Work with Careers in Eyecare
Campaign aim: to support the optical industry and highlight Vivid Optical . Danny Alaimo of Vivid Optical says; “Partnering with Careers in Eyecare was an easy decision for Vivid Optical. We are very excited to be involved”. Examples of content with Vivid Optical: Finding a job in optics
Careers in eyecare FAQsI’ve been to the optician’s and it looks like it might be an interesting place to work. What are my options?There are a number of people who work in an optical practice: the optometrist, the dispensing optician, and usually a number of optical assistants or receptionists. In some practices you will also … Continue reading FAQs
All ApprenticeshipsCareers in eyecareFor EmployersFor studentsOrthoptistFor teachersLooking for workStudentsWorkWork experienceDispensing opticianEducationStudyStudy onlineDay in the lifeOptical assistantOptical practice managerOptometristExamsGCSEsT LevelsTraineeshipsA levelsSTEMContact lens opticianOptical sales repOphthalmologistAwards, bursaries and scholarships Categories Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, For Employers, For students, Orthoptist Posted on 14 January 2025 5 February 2025 New apprenticeships: orthoptists earn while they learn An apprenticeship has … Continue reading Orthoptist
Award-winning careers support and advice About Careers in Eyecare Discover the range of careers offering eyewear and eyecare. Careers in Eyecare is a cross sector initiative to highlight the range of careers in eyecare and eye wear. The Careers in Eyecare campaign highlights the range of clinical, fashion, design, technical and retail roles available. It … Continue reading About Careers in Eyecare
The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) sounds ancient but has a modern purpose. Its mission is to support better vision for all. The Company was founded in 1629 and is living proof that eye health is so much more than a presence on the High Street. The name could be misleading as WCSM members … Continue reading WCSM
Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. All Orthoptists are qualified with a substantial core body of knowledge and expertise and are one of fifteen professions regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
What do you get from this role?
Becoming an orthoptist gives you a rewarding and flexible career.
Orthoptists have an extremely varied caseload. Typically, their work with babies and children involves the management and treatment of amblyopia (or lazy eye) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes or squint). With adults, they will manage and treat a range of conditions leading to double vision, commonly following neurological episodes, such as strokes or brain damage.
In the UK the majority of orthoptists work in eye clinics in NHS hospitals. Some orthoptists also work in community clinics, specialist centres for children with disabilities or carry out vision screening in schools. Orthoptists also assess patients on hospital wards such as neuro-rehabilitation and stroke wards.
The job can offer a range of different working patterns. It gives you a chance to interact with people and know that you are making a difference to their lives by providing eye care and advice. If you want to progress your career you can choose to focus on management.
There is increasing demand for orthoptists in the UK, and a shortage in Europe and across the world. In the UK most orthoptists work in the NHS. The starting wage for an orthoptist in the NHS is in the range of £22,000 – £26,000, with the potential to earn up to £90,000 at the highest level.
What do you need to apply?
To become an orthoptist, you require a degree in orthoptics, from university or via the new degree apprenticeships. You can find out more about the course, including where you can study, here. The entry requirements vary for each university so please check their websites for more detail.
The general requirements are that you must have good GCSE Maths, English and Science grades and A levels/Highers or equivalent, with at least one science subject such as Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry. Alternative qualifications are considered and mature students are welcome to apply.
As an orthoptist you will need to enjoy spending time with people and offering advice. You will need to be interested in health and how the body develops. You will be people focused.
The best way to learn about what an Orthoptist actually does is going and seeing for yourself. BIOS has a specific Work Shadow Lead, whose job it is to help arrange for prospective students to shadow an orthoptist and see what it is they do day to day. You can find out more about this, including who to contact, on the work shadowing page.
Do you need a degree to become an orthoptist?
To qualify as an orthoptist in the UK, you will need to complete a degree in orthoptics, either via the new degree apprenticeships at your local NHS trust or at one of the following Higher Education institutions:
ABDO College offers you and your team courses which allow every staff member to advance. Start with the Optical Assistant course for a great introduction to optics, as well as an ideal way to formalise knowledge gained in practice. Move on to the Senior Optical Assistant course to develop and grow your knowledge and broaden … Continue reading ABDO College
Careers in eyecare FAQsI’ve been to the optician’s and it looks like it might be an interesting place to work. What are my options?There are a number of people who work in an optical practice: the optometrist, the dispensing optician, and usually a number of optical assistants or receptionists. In some practices you will also … Continue reading FAQs
Award-winning careers support and advice About Careers in Eyecare Discover the range of careers offering eyewear and eyecare. Careers in Eyecare is a cross sector initiative to highlight the range of careers in eyecare and eye wear. The Careers in Eyecare campaign highlights the range of clinical, fashion, design, technical and retail roles available. It … Continue reading About Careers in Eyecare
Campaign aim: highlight the STEM ambassador programme to eye care practitioners (ECPs) and encourage them to sign up and visit schools. Careers in Eyecare has developed a range of supportive materials to facilitate ECPs to work in schools, including: How to become a STEM ambassador Case study: Nick’s experience of his first STEM sessions STEM … Continue reading STEM
Careers in Eyecare is a cross sector initiative to highlight the range of careers in eye care and eye wear. The award-winning campaign was launched by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) in 2020. Nick Walsh of ABDO says, “Careers in Eyecare was born from a desire to do more to raise awareness of … Continue reading Work with Careers in Eyecare
Brighten your future with Careers In Eyecare Did you know? Careers in eyecare offer a lot of potential to young people. Open your eyes to the possibilities… Careers for everyone There are many interesting careers in eyecare and eye wear, with entry at all levels. Whatever your background and interests, you can take your next … Continue reading Career guides
Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. All Orthoptists are qualified with a substantial core body of knowledge and expertise and are one of fifteen professions regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
What do you get from this role?
Becoming an orthoptist gives you a rewarding and flexible career.
Orthoptists have an extremely varied caseload. Typically, their work with babies and children involves the management and treatment of amblyopia (or lazy eye) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes or squint). With adults, they will manage and treat a range of conditions leading to double vision, commonly following neurological episodes, such as strokes or brain damage.
In the UK the majority of orthoptists work in eye clinics in NHS hospitals. Some orthoptists also work in community clinics, specialist centres for children with disabilities or carry out vision screening in schools. Orthoptists also assess patients on hospital wards such as neuro-rehabilitation and stroke wards.
The job can offer a range of different working patterns. It gives you a chance to interact with people and know that you are making a difference to their lives by providing eye care and advice. If you want to progress your career you can choose to focus on management.
There is increasing demand for orthoptists in the UK, and a shortage in Europe and across the world. In the UK most orthoptists work in the NHS. The starting wage for an orthoptist in the NHS is in the range of £22,000 – £26,000, with the potential to earn up to £90,000 at the highest level.
What do you need to apply?
To become an orthoptist, you require a degree in orthoptics, from university or via the new degree apprenticeships. You can find out more about the course, including where you can study, here. The entry requirements vary for each university so please check their websites for more detail.
The general requirements are that you must have good GCSE Maths, English and Science grades and A levels/Highers or equivalent, with at least one science subject such as Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry. Alternative qualifications are considered and mature students are welcome to apply.
As an orthoptist you will need to enjoy spending time with people and offering advice. You will need to be interested in health and how the body develops. You will be people focused.
The best way to learn about what an Orthoptist actually does is going and seeing for yourself. BIOS has a specific Work Shadow Lead, whose job it is to help arrange for prospective students to shadow an orthoptist and see what it is they do day to day. You can find out more about this, including who to contact, on the work shadowing page.
Do you need a degree to become an orthoptist?
To qualify as an orthoptist in the UK, you will need to complete a degree in orthoptics, either via the new degree apprenticeships at your local NHS trust or at one of the following Higher Education institutions:
All Dispensing opticianEducationFor studentsOptometristStudentsStudyT LevelsApprenticeshipsCareers in eyecareDay in the lifeFor teachersOptical assistantWorkLooking for workOphthalmologistOptical sales repOrthoptistEye clinic liaison officerFor EmployersA levelsExamsGCSEsStudy onlineWork experienceAwards, bursaries and scholarshipsOptical practice managerTraineeshipsSTEMContact lens opticianDesignEngineeringLow vision optician Categories Dispensing optician, Education, For students, Optometrist, Students, Study, T Levels Posted on 10 April 2025 9 April 2025 Opportunities in optics for … Continue reading Orthoptist
Campaign aim: highlight the STEM ambassador programme to eye care practitioners (ECPs) and encourage them to sign up and visit schools. Careers in Eyecare has developed a range of supportive materials to facilitate ECPs to work in schools, including: How to become a STEM ambassador Case study: Nick’s experience of his first STEM sessions STEM … Continue reading STEM
Campaign aim: to support the optical industry and highlight Stepper as an ethical and committed frames company. Peter Reeve, Managing Director Stepper (UK) limited says, “Delivering comfort and fit that delights spectacle wearers requires good product and the best dispensing skills, so encouraging professionalism in eyecare early in a career delivers the best possible outcomes … Continue reading Stepper
Award-winning careers support and advice About Careers in Eyecare Discover the range of careers offering eyewear and eyecare. Careers in Eyecare is a cross sector initiative to highlight the range of careers in eyecare and eye wear. The Careers in Eyecare campaign highlights the range of clinical, fashion, design, technical and retail roles available. It … Continue reading About Careers in Eyecare
Careers in eyecare FAQsI’ve been to the optician’s and it looks like it might be an interesting place to work. What are my options?There are a number of people who work in an optical practice: the optometrist, the dispensing optician, and usually a number of optical assistants or receptionists. In some practices you will also … Continue reading FAQs
Would you like to work with Careers in Eyecare to inspire the next generation of eye care professionals? We are always looking for people who will tell us about a day in their working life. All you need to do is answer the following questions and send 3-4 photos of yourself at work. Please email … Continue reading Inspire the next generation
Find out how to become a orthoptist with our career guide
What is an orthoptist?
An orthoptist specialises in diagnosing and managing a range of eye conditions that largely affect eye movement and visual development. Understanding the development of eyesight and the role of the brain in controlling the eyes are key to orthoptic work.
What do orthoptists do?
Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. All Orthoptists are qualified with a substantial core body of knowledge and expertise and are one of fifteen professions regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
What do you get from this role?
Becoming an orthoptist gives you a rewarding and flexible career.
Orthoptists have an extremely varied caseload. Typically, their work with babies and children involves the management and treatment of amblyopia (or lazy eye) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes or squint). With adults, they will manage and treat a range of conditions leading to double vision, commonly following neurological episodes, such as strokes or brain damage.
In the UK the majority of orthoptists work in eye clinics in NHS hospitals. Some orthoptists also work in community clinics, specialist centres for children with disabilities or carry out vision screening in schools. Orthoptists also assess patients on hospital wards such as neuro-rehabilitation and stroke wards.
The job can offer a range of different working patterns. It gives you a chance to interact with people and know that you are making a difference to their lives by providing eye care and advice. If you want to progress your career you can choose to focus on management.
There is increasing demand for orthoptists in the UK, and a shortage in Europe and across the world. In the UK most orthoptists work in the NHS. The starting wage for an orthoptist in the NHS is in the range of £22,000 – £26,000, with the potential to earn up to £90,000 at the highest level.
What do you need to apply?
To become an orthoptist, you require a degree in orthoptics, from university or via the new degree apprenticeships. You can find out more about the course, including where you can study, here. The entry requirements vary for each university so please check their websites for more detail.
The general requirements are that you must have good GCSE Maths, English and Science grades and A levels/Highers or equivalent, with at least one science subject such as Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry. Alternative qualifications are considered and mature students are welcome to apply.
As an orthoptist you will need to enjoy spending time with people and offering advice. You will need to be interested in health and how the body develops. You will be people focused.
The best way to learn about what an Orthoptist actually does is going and seeing for yourself. BIOS has a specific Work Shadow Lead, whose job it is to help arrange for prospective students to shadow an orthoptist and see what it is they do day to day. You can find out more about this, including who to contact, on the work shadowing page.
Do you need a degree to become an orthoptist?
To qualify as an orthoptist in the UK, you will need to complete a degree in orthoptics, either via the new degree apprenticeships at your local NHS trust or at one of the following Higher Education institutions:
Careers in Eyecare is a cross sector initiative to highlight the range of careers in eye care and eye wear. The award-winning campaign was launched by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) in 2020. Nick Walsh of ABDO says, “Careers in Eyecare was born from a desire to do more to raise awareness of … Continue reading Work with Careers in Eyecare
Brighten your future with Careers In Eyecare Did you know? Careers in eyecare offer a lot of potential to young people. Open your eyes to the possibilities… Careers for everyone There are many interesting careers in eyecare and eye wear, with entry at all levels. Whatever your background and interests, you can take your next … Continue reading Career guides
See how to become a lens designer with our career guide. What is a lens designer? A lens designer works as part of the research and development department (R&D). They will be involved in the design, development, and testing of new products and geometries produced with free-form technology. What does a lens designer do? A … Continue reading Lens designer
ABDO College offers you and your team courses which allow every staff member to advance. Start with the Optical Assistant course for a great introduction to optics, as well as an ideal way to formalise knowledge gained in practice. Move on to the Senior Optical Assistant course to develop and grow your knowledge and broaden … Continue reading ABDO College
Would you like to work with Careers in Eyecare to inspire the next generation of eye care professionals? We are always looking for people who will tell us about a day in their working life. All you need to do is answer the following questions and send 3-4 photos of yourself at work. Please email … Continue reading Inspire the next generation
Campaign aim: to attract teens to become an optometrist with Specsavers Lucy Knock Early Careers Manager says “Specsavers is delighted to work with the Careers in Eyecare Campaign, which we hope will inspire more young people to become opticians. We’re keen on sharing the hidden secrets of the fantastic opportunities we have in our industry … Continue reading Specsavers
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