All About Orthoptists
Orthoptist Definition Diagnose and treat visual system disorders such as binocular vision and eye movement impairments.
Orthoptist Responsibilities
- Collaborate with ophthalmologists, optometrists, or other specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, or management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases.
- Develop or use special test and communication techniques to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of children or disabled patients.
- Present or publish scientific papers.
- Perform diagnostic tests or measurements, such as motor testing, visual acuity testing, lensometry, retinoscopy, and color vision testing.
- Provide training related to clinical methods or orthoptics to students, resident physicians, or other health professionals.
- Assist ophthalmologists in diagnostic ophthalmic procedures, such as ultrasonography, fundus photography, and tonometry.
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Orthoptist Needed Skills
Orthoptists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to 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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Orthoptist
- Clinical Orthoptist (CO)
- Chief Orthoptist
- Certified Orthoptist
- Orthoptist
What Kind of Orthoptist Job Opportunities Are There?
There were about 56,400 jobs for Orthoptist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 3,800 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Average Orthoptists Salary
The salary for Orthoptists ranges between about $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 each U.S. state?
| 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Orthoptists
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?
Who Employs Orthoptists?
The table below shows the approximate number of Orthoptists employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Aphiwat chuangchoem via Creative Commons Zero (CC0)
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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