How do I become an orthoptist?
If you enjoy science, working with people of all ages and would relish the challenge of problem solving and making decisions independently, orthoptics could be the career for you!
On our careers pages you will find all the information you need if you are looking to become an Orthoptist, including what skills and qualifications you will need, how you can finance your degree, what you can expect to earn and, most importantly, what will you actually be doing …
What’s it like being an orthoptist?

You can find out more about orthoptics, and what an orthoptist does, here or download our Orthoptics Career Profile here.
How do I find out if orthoptics is for me?
First things first, its essential that you decide whether orthoptics is the right career for you. The best way to learn about what an Orthoptist actually does is going and seeing for yourself.
BIOS have a specific Work Shadow Lead, whose job it is to help arrange for prospective students to shadow an orthoptist and see what it is they do day to day. You can find out more about this, including who to contact, on our work shadowing page.
The I See The Difference Outreach Officers are currently running a series of seminars for students, parents and teachers introducing the fantastic opportunities available in a career as an AHP!
You can sign up for the Orthoptics webinar here.

I’m interested, how do I become one?
To become an orthoptist, you require an undergraduate degree in orthoptics. You can find out more about the course, including where you can study, here.
The entry requirements vary for each university so please check their websites for more detail.
- The general requirements are that you must have good GCSE Maths, English and Science grades and A levels/Highers or equivalent, with at least one science subject such as Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry. Alternative qualifications are considered and mature students are welcome to apply.
- If you do not have the relevant academic background, there are options to study a Foundation Year degree or Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science prior to commencing the Orthoptic degree. Further details about Foundation Year degrees can be found on the websites of the University of Sheffield and University of Liverpool.