5 reasons to become an orthoptist

A job in orthoptics is a rewarding and diverse career in allied health. Our Master of Orthoptics graduates readily gain employment in private practice, low vision agencies, universities and eye research centres.

If you have an interest in health sciences and are fascinated by the field of eye care, including optometry and ophthalmics, then orthoptics could be the career for you. 

1.    Diverse career options

A career as an orthoptist could take you to all kinds of places. Orthoptists may work in one or more of these settings:

• Clinical practitioner – patient care
• Management – managing eye care services and staff, managing clinic
• Education – teaching orthoptics in a clinical placement or at university
• Research – be part of a specialised research team
• Sales role in the ophthalmic industry

2.    Make a difference to patients’ lives

Orthoptists play a critical role in promoting improved quality of life in people with vision problems. Imagine transforming the life of someone that has difficulty completing simple tasks such as pouring a cup of tea because they have double vision or has difficulty reading or writing due to age-related macular degeneration. Orthoptists can make a huge impact on the life of their patients.

3.     Industry recognition

The skills of an orthoptist are unique and versatile. Orthoptists are in strong demand in the Australian workforce. The orthoptics profession boasts among the highest education standards world-wide.

4.   Leave uni ready for your for career 

Orthoptics students are the future of the profession. Students at the UTS Graduate School of Health graduate work-ready and eligible for registration as an orthoptist in Australia. After attending extensive clinical placements, in-class simulation, interdisciplinary workshops and authentic assessments, students are prepared for the workforce.

5.     Dynamic and active orthoptics community

Orthoptists are awesome! Orthoptics Australia (OA) hold events throughout the year to bring orthoptists together. There is something for every student, graduate or working professional; Orthoptics Awareness Week, the OA Annual Scientific Conference as well as Scientific meetings and Upskill courses. UTS also has a great community for its trainee orthoptists, via its student club UTS Student Orthoptics Society. The club gets together for networking events and an annual celebration.

Interested in becoming an orthoptist? Learn more about the UTS Master of Orthoptics.

Content developed from Orthoptics Australia Become an Orthoptist