Orthoptists are experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision.
These can be caused by issues with the muscles around the eyes or defects in the nerves enabling the brain to communicate with the eyes.
Orthoptists work independently and with a wider team and can diagnose and support new and ongoing conditions.
Miv, specialist orthoptist
Why did you want to be an orthoptist?
There was always something that fascinated me about eyes. I wore glasses from the age of seven. This just seemed more interesting than being an optician.
Day-to-day tasks?
I see children and adults with eye problems. From babies where we have concerns and need to find out what they can see and if their eyes are working together properly to adults who have suddenly started seeing two of things.
No two patients are the same; I can go from diagnosing strokes and aneurysms to playing games with a small child to get them to work with me.
We see patients with a wide range of conditions affecting their vision. We are trained to offer a range of treatments, including eye patches, eye exercises, prisms or glasses.
We also commonly work with patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke, brain tumours or multiple sclerosis.
The majority of orthoptists are employed by the NHS in hospitals or community eye services.
Although many also work in rehabilitation centres and special and mainstream schools.
Orthoptists will often work in wider eye care teams, alongside ophthalmologists and sometimes optometrists.
Most fulfilling part of the job?
For me there are two things, I enjoy having a person come in with debilitating double vision and leaving with it gone. I also enjoy the challenge of getting children to work with me to assess their eyes. "
Why are AHP’s important in mental health practice?
The NHS Long Term Plan describes AHPs as playing a central role in the delivery of person-centred care to help meet the changing demands the NHS is facing.
The Mental Health Workforce Plan for England (2017) also highlights the vital and varied role of AHPs as first responders, in diagnosis, self-management, rehabilitation, and recovery of everyday life.
AHPs are the key to transforming health, care, and wellbeing. Working at the top of their competencies and skills, AHPs lead mental health teams to new ways of working.
Their expertise in rehabilitation and enablement is vital to move away from over-reliance on hospitals and towards professional interventions across health and social care settings
What is the role of AHP’s in services for people with mental health conditions?
AHPs are employed in health and care services to diagnose, treat, and support individuals to overcome the physical challenges, that can be associated with their mental health
conditions.
Orthopist video
Where can I study to be an orthopist?
Work experience
Work experience – South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Contact us
- Careers at South Tees: [email protected]
- Work experience at South Tees: [email protected]