Exploring a career as an Orthoptist (Orthoptist - 1 Day Placement)

We are excited to offer this unique opportunity to shadow the work of our Orthoptist colleagues in a busy eye clinic setting. The Minimum age is 16. The placement will begin with an introduction to your host and the wider multidisciplinary team in Ophthalmology, followed by a guided tour throughout the department area. You will receive experience shadowing a registered Orthoptist during their clinical work, to gain deeper understanding of the profession. An Orthoptist specialises in diagnosing and managing a range of eye conditions that affect eye movement and visual development. Understanding the eye and the role of the brain in visual experience are key to Orthoptic work. Orthoptists treat patients of all ages. Their caseload is extremely varied. Most of their work with babies and children involves amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes/squint). They also specialise in neurological episodes that cause an eye muscle/nerve weakness resulting in double vision.

This experience is provided for you to gain a real sense of what it would be like to work as an Orthoptist and ultimately inspire you to pursue a career within this profession in the future. The placement will be held in our REI at International Business Park Department and is offered as a 1 day placement.

In line with our risk assessment outcomes this opportunity is open for applications from those who have completed their GCSE studies. There is no upper age limit to this experience. In order to protect you, our staff and patients, you will be supervised at all times and will not be permitted access to restricted areas unless under direct supervision.

Due to the anticipated demand for this experience, we are unable to guarantee a placement and all applications will be subject to a selection process. If you would like to know more about a career as an Orthoptist, see https://www.orthoptics.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Orthoptist-Career-Profile-Aug-23.pdf

Please Note: The Minimum age is 16. This opportunity is available on selected dates throughout the year and therefore applications will be shortlisted/ offered on a monthly basis. You will be unable to upload any associated documentation until your application has been successful."