Promoting Careers in Orthoptics
One of our top priorities is ensuring the future of our profession by raising awareness of just how rewarding a career as an Orthoptist can be.
In 2017, Orthoptics could only be studied at undergraduate level at three universities in the UK and recruitment to these courses had declined and was further threatened by the removal of NHS bursaries from 2017/18. However, supported by the Office for Students funded strategic interventions in health education disciplines (SIHED) programme, we have been able to counter this by raising awareness of orthoptics and the diverse and fascinating work done by Orthoptists.
Since 2018, recruitment to all three undergraduate courses has increased and two post-graduate pre-registration courses have been set up and UCL and the University of Liverpool, increasing both the routes available into the profession and the geographical spread of new graduates.
While SIHED ended in March 2021, we have carried on this valuable work, including continuing to fund a Work Experience Lead.
How to Get Involved
To find out more and download a range of BIOS resources, log in to the members area below or contact [email protected].
How do I become an Orthoptist?
More information about how to become an Orthoptist can be found in our prospective student pages.