How to Become an Orthoptist in the UK
Orthoptists diagnose and treat problems with eye movement and how the eyes work together, such as squints, lazy eye (amblyopia), double vision and eye problems after strokes or head injuries. Much of the work is with children in hospital eye clinics and community vision screening, but orthoptists also run adult neurology, glaucoma and low vision clinics.
Orthoptist is a protected title, like physiotherapist, so you must complete an approved orthoptics degree and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before you can practise.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £31,049 (NHS Band 5)
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £70,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, clinic or community setting
- Time to entry
- 3 years (BSc)
- Degree required
- Required - an HCPC-approved degree (or degree apprenticeship)
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: Stable careers, Career change.
What a Orthoptist does
Diagnose and treat eye movement disorders, squints and binocular vision problems.
- Paediatric Eye Care - Diagnose and treat squint and lazy eye in children.
- Adult Neuro-orthoptics - Eye movement disorders after stroke or brain injury.
- Glaucoma Clinics - Orthoptists running shared-care glaucoma clinics.
- Low Vision - Assessment and support for partially sighted patients.
How to become an orthoptist in the UK
The standard route is a three-year orthoptics degree approved by the HCPC, offered by a small number of UK universities, including one in Scotland. Entry usually needs A levels or equivalent including a science, or an Access to HE diploma. Students in England can apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund. Postgraduate and apprenticeship options are limited, so check current courses with universities and the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS). After graduating, register with the HCPC and apply for NHS Band 5 posts.
- Check entry requirements for approved orthoptics degrees, which usually ask for A levels or equivalent including a science, often biology.
- Arrange to shadow or talk to an orthoptist in a hospital eye department, so you can describe the role confidently in your application and interview.
- Apply through UCAS for an HCPC-approved orthoptics degree, and apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund if you study in England.
- Use your clinical placements to build confidence with cover tests, eye movement assessment and examining young children, who may not cooperate.
- Register with the HCPC once you graduate, then apply for NHS Band 5 orthoptist posts in hospital eye departments and community services.
- Join the British and Irish Orthoptic Society for guidance and CPD, and keep a CPD record, which the HCPC can ask to see.
- Develop a specialism such as paediatrics, neuro-orthoptics, stroke, glaucoma or low vision to move into senior and advanced practice roles.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCPC-approved orthoptics degree | 3 years | Tuition fee loan, plus NHS Learning Support Fund in England | School leavers and most entrants |
| Access to HE diploma, then orthoptics degree | 1 year plus 3 years | Advanced learner loan, then tuition fee loan | Adults without science A levels |
| Postgraduate or apprenticeship route, where offered | Varies | Varies by provider | Graduates and NHS staff - check current availability |
How long it takes
Expect 3 years for an approved orthoptics degree, after which you register with the HCPC and can start as a Band 5 orthoptist. Add a year if you need an Access to HE diploma first.
Orthoptist salary in the UK
Newly qualified orthoptists usually start on NHS Band 5, around £31,049, rising each year through pay progression and national pay awards. Experienced orthoptists typically earn £35,000 to £45,000, and specialist, advanced and head orthoptists in senior bands can earn £55,000 to £70,000. NHS roles in and around London receive high cost area supplements. Some orthoptists add private clinic work, research or teaching, which can increase income.
Key skills
- Clinical assessment
- Working with children
- Reporting
- Teamwork
- Patience
Orthoptist FAQs
How do I become an orthoptist in the UK?
Complete an HCPC-approved orthoptics degree, usually three years, then register with the Health and Care Professions Council. You can then apply for NHS Band 5 orthoptist jobs. Entry to the degree usually needs A levels or equivalent including a science, or an Access to HE diploma.
Do you need a degree to be an orthoptist?
Yes. Orthoptist is a protected title, and you can only use it if you are registered with the HCPC, which requires an approved orthoptics qualification. Orthoptic assistant or healthcare support roles in eye clinics do not need a degree and can be a useful first step.
How much does an orthoptist earn in the UK?
Newly qualified orthoptists start on NHS Band 5, around £31,049. Experienced orthoptists typically earn £35,000 to £45,000, and senior specialist or head orthoptists can earn £55,000 to £70,000, with extra for working in and around London.
What is the difference between an orthoptist and an optometrist?
Optometrists test sight, prescribe glasses and check eye health, mostly in high street opticians, and register with the General Optical Council. Orthoptists specialise in eye movements, squints and binocular vision, mostly in hospitals, and register with the HCPC.
Is Orthoptist right for you?
Career Compass ranks careers from your interests and priorities and explains every suggestion, with UK routes and trade-offs. See how well Orthoptist actually fits you. £19.99 once, full report included.
Not sure orthoptist is the right career for you? A good career test narrows the field before you spend money retraining.