Who We Are
The British and Irish Orthoptic Society is the professional body for Orthoptists. Orthoptists are registered Allied Health Professionals regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK and CORU will be the regulator in the Republic of Ireland.
- BIOS was founded in 1937 and is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.
- BIOS is affiliated to the Allied Health Professionals Federation, a group made up of 12 bodies representing more than 158,000 workers in the UK.
- BIOS is also a member of the International Orthoptic Association and OCE.
- BIOS members in the UK are also automatically trade union members of the British Orthoptic Society Trade Union (BOSTU).
What We Do
BIOS provides expert support for the orthoptic workforce throughout their careers – from students to advanced clinical practitioners, educators, researchers, and leaders. We:
- Set professional standards and support career development
- Shape national policy and workforce strategy
- Advocate for the orthoptic profession within healthcare systems
- Provide continuing professional development and accredited training
- Collaborate with NHS bodies, universities, and other allied health professions
- Drive innovation in service delivery, digital health, and education
Careers in the Orthoptic Workforce
Orthoptics offers a range of exciting career opportunities across the eye care pathway. The orthoptic workforce includes not only orthoptists, but also support workers, educators, researchers, advanced clinical practitioners, and service leaders.
- Orthoptists – Diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and visual problems across all ages.
- Support Workers and Assistants – Provide vital support in patient care and service delivery.
- Advanced and Consultant Practitioners – Lead on complex care, service transformation, and training.
- Educators and Researchers – Shape the future of the profession and drive evidence-based practice.
- Leaders and Managers – Influence service delivery, strategy, and workforce development.
Key Events
BIOS runs a range of events throughout the year, including:
- BIOS Annual Conference – A flagship event for learning, networking, and showcasing innovation in orthoptics
- Orthoptic Awareness Week – Celebrating and promoting the profession nationally
- CPD Webinars and Regional Meetings – Regular online and local events for professional development
- Student and Preceptorship Events – Supporting early career orthoptists
Key Projects We’re Working On
We’re leading and supporting several national projects to develop and future-proof the orthoptic profession, including:
- Refraction Project – Expanding orthoptists’ role in adult and paediatric refraction within hospital eye care.
- Professional Development Framework – Outlining skills and levels to support development across the orthoptic workforce.
- Enhanced Clinical Practice (ECP) Project – Enabling orthoptists to step into enhanced roles that meet service demands.
- Academic Educator Project – Helping clinicians move into academic roles and grow university teaching and research.
- Support Worker Project – Defining and developing support worker roles to strengthen orthoptic service delivery.
Meet Our Chair – Craig Murray
Craig Murray, Chair of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) and lecturer at the University of Liverpool, brings extensive experience in clinical practice, education, and leadership.
Since taking on the role, Craig has set a clear strategy to strengthen and support the profession, focusing on:
- Raising the profile of orthoptics across healthcare and the public,
- Boosting recruitment and retention for a sustainable, diverse workforce,
- Leading innovation in practice, technology, and education,
- Supporting career development at all levels,
- Fostering a positive, inclusive professional culture,
- Strengthening BIOS’s operational resilience and member focus.
