Orthoptists
Orthoptists diagnose and treat disorders affecting how the eyes work together and move, such as strabismus and convergence insufficiency. They work in eye care clinics, hospitals, and private ophthalmology practices, performing specialized vision assessments and developing treatment plans that often include vision therapy, exercises, or recommendations for corrective lenses.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against orthoptists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Orthoptists spend their days administering diagnostic tests to measure eye alignment, eye movement, and binocular vision function. They review patient histories, operate specialized equipment like phoropters and visual evoked potential machines, document findings, and work with ophthalmologists to determine treatment approaches. Many sessions involve training patients in vision therapy techniques or monitoring progress from previous interventions.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRS. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy this work if you're drawn to investigating how visual systems function and solving technical problems systematically. You tend to prefer hands-on work with diagnostic equipment and direct patient care, and you're comfortable pursuing advanced education to develop specialized expertise.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $140,670 | $164,670 | $185,220 | 5,840 |
| District of Columbia | $126,110 | $151,990 | $184,350 | 490 |
| New York | $97,470 | $127,360 | $188,420 | 750 |
| Georgia | $101,040 | $126,300 | $153,630 | 3,130 |
| California | $92,890 | $125,550 | $158,080 | 1,600 |
| Montana | $93,640 | $122,930 | $185,540 | 110 |
| Connecticut | $91,810 | $119,970 | $167,170 | 410 |
| Hawaii | $103,720 | $119,520 | $137,590 | 90 |
| Utah | $105,380 | $119,430 | $215,640 | 310 |
| North Carolina | $84,930 | $117,210 | $161,120 | 800 |
| Missouri | $86,550 | $112,260 | $126,740 | 420 |
| Maine | $77,790 | $112,010 | $227,630 | 160 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Orthoptist (CO) — American Orthoptic Council
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against orthoptists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1299.02 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.