Orthoptics BSc /BMedSci

Faye Inskip (Specialist Orthoptist)

Sue Perks (Specialist Orthoptist)

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Orthoptists are highly qualified members of the eye care team. They specialise in diagnosing, managing and treating conditions relating to ocular motility and vision.These conditions include Amblyopia (lazy eye), defective binocular / 3D vision, abnormal eye movements caused by injury or disease, Diplopia (double vision) and Strabismus (squint).

What is an Orthoptist?

We work closely with Hospital Optometrists, Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmic technicians to provide quality patient care.

We deliver treatment such as:•Occlusion therapy for children with poor vision in one eye. (patching)•Glasses are prescribed by Optometrists/Ophthalmologists and we monitor the visual development at regular follow up visits.•Prisms are used to correct double vision (diplopia) mainly in adults but sometimes children too.•We prescribe Orthoptic exercises to strengthen the eye muscles in some conditions.•We are responsible for measuring squint (strabismus). Some children will require squint surgery by the Ophthalmology team.•Visual Field testing and advice.

Desirable qualities…

Keen to work with children as well as adults.

(Mainly paediatric based work but does depend which hospital you work at).

Works well as part of a team Good at problem solving Keen observation skills Enthusiastic

Extended Orthoptic Roles Opportunity to undertake Masters Degree.

Studying a PhD in many different aspects of vision science is a further opportunity.

Extended roles in clinical teaching, Stroke, School Screening and other aspects of Ophthalmology including low vision, biometry, Age related macular degeneration, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and more.

Starting at Band 5 --- Band 8D.

The Orthoptic degree is recognised worldwide. There are good opportunities to work abroad. Past graduates have worked in New Zealand, Australia, USA, Hong Kong, Malta, Cyprus, Denmark and Gibraltar

Orthoptics

Possible places to study:

•University of Liverpool (3 year course)•University of Sheffield (3 year course)•Glasgow Caledonian University (4 year course)

Limited work experience outside the NHS as mainly hospital based work. Small opportunity to work in private practise when qualified.

Entry Requirements:

Liverpool : BBB (or two A2 Levels and two AS Levels, however higher grades may be required). A2 Biology essential.

Sheffield: BBB - must include one of Biology, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry. General studies are not accepted. GCSE grade B Mathematics and English, Science grade C or above.

Glasgow: BBB including one science, plus GCSE Maths, Physics and English at B

There are no course tuition fees. The Department of Health covers the cost of fees for UK and EU students. In addition, home students can apply for a student loan and may also qualify for bursaries.

Useful Web Links

• https://www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/orthoptics-bsc-h

ons/overview/

• https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/medicine/prospective_ug/bmedsci

• http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/orthoptics-

9540.php?loc=uk

• http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/allied-health-

professions/careers-in-the-allied-health-professions/orthoptist/

• www.squintclinic.com

Professional / Regulatory Bodies

HCPC – Health and Care Professions Council :are a regulator, and is set up to protect the public. To do this, they keep a register of health and care professionals who meet the HCPC standards for their training, professional skills, behaviour and health.

BIOS – British and Irish Orthoptic Society: Orthoptics own professional regulatory body