become an orthoptist
Orthoptic students complete a two-year intensive program in orthoptics. Currently there are 17 accredited orthoptic fellowship programs in the United States. Once you have completed your orthoptic program, you will take a written and oral board certification exam given by the American Orthoptic Council® (AOC®) to become a Certified Orthoptist®. After becoming certified, you will need to maintain your certification by participating in continuing education activities. AOC ACCREDITED PROGRAMS |
How do you become an orthoptist? |
 How do I apply to an Orthoptic Fellowship Program?To be eligible for a degree program in orthoptics, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree. Admission into an Orthoptic Fellowship program varies between programs. There are no required courses mandated by the certifying body, but individual orthoptic programs may have their own pre-requisite requirements or recommendations. AOC® Accredited Orthoptic Programs Interested in more information from certain programs or observing an orthoptist? Please fill out the link and programs will contact you. Form for More Information | What can I expect as a student?
An orthoptic program consists of both didactics and clinical training. The academic portion of the program consists of a sequence of courses vital to the understanding of the visual system and take place online and in-person with certified orthoptists. The clinical training involves working with patients of all ages under the supervision of a certified orthoptist or an ophthalmologist. Students interact with medical students, ophthalmology residents, fellows and medical professionals in a clinic setting. Watch a video below on "the Day in the Life of a Student"  |  Is the GRE or required?No, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other testing is not required. I am an International Certified Orthoptist, can I be certified in the US?The answer depends on which country you trained in and what certification you currently hold. You can find more information here or to find out if you need to attend an accredited training program to become certified in the USA, contact the American Orthoptic Council® at the email below. |
What Kind of Courses Will I Take in the Program? |
Anatomy: A thorough investigation of the structures of the human visual system with concentration on the anatomy of the eye and surrounding structures. A basic knowledge of human anatomy is recommended. Neuro-Anatomy: A basic introduction to the central and peripheral nervous systems and to the parts of the brain which are essential to vision and eye movements. Physiology: A thorough understanding of the normal functioning of organ systems and organs with emphasis on the eye. Pharmacology: The study of diagnostic and therapeutic drugs used in ophthalmology. The properties and reactions of specific agents is studied. Diagnostic Testing & Measurement: An introduction to the clinical techniques necessary for an orthoptist to perform a diagnostic examination. Ophthalmic Optics: Examines basic principles from of applied optics relative to ophthalmic lenses and prisms. A basic knowledge of algebra and physics is recommended. | Systemic Diseases & Ocular Motor Disorders: Visual symptoms are often the presenting sign of a serious systemic illness. The pathogenesis, signs and symptoms of various disease processes are discussed. Orthoptic Treatment: An introduction to the various forms of non-surgical treatment encompassing theoretic principles and clinical application. Principles of Surgery: Introduces the student to the essentials of pre and postoperative patient care. Provides an overview of the indications for surgery and the types of surgery performed by an ophthalmologist to correct eye alignment and eye movement disorders. Basic Ophthalmic Exam Techniques: Orthoptic programs provide instruction in the principles of ophthalmic technical procedures such as refractometry, visual field testing, and contact lens fitting which are useful adjuncts to the specialized skills of an orthoptist. Additional Subjects: Principles of Genetics, Child Development, Learning Disabilities, Clinical Research Methods and Medical Writing. |
Do I qualify for advanced standing? Advanced standing may be awarded to ophthalmic medical personnel who possess an undergraduate degree and a current COT or COMT certification. Advanced standing students must complete a minimum of 12 months in an accredited program. Advanced standing eligibility is determined by the program director upon a candidate’s acceptance into their program. The exact length of training for an advanced standing student will be determined by the program director based on the student’s progress, their fulfillment of the program’s requisites and if they are deemed ready to sit for the AOC® certifying exams. | How long is the training program? Programs are 24 months, unless you are an advanced standing student. Program start dates vary, typically starting sometime between July and September. What is the cost of tuition to attend an orthoptic fellowship program?Tuition is not regulated by the American Orthoptic Council®. Each program sets its own tuition. Financial aid and stipends are available at some programs. Inquiries should be made individually to the programs of interest. Orthoptic students do not usually qualify for conventional student loans, as the programs are not University degree granting programs. Partial scholarships based on need and merit are available from the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology Education and Research Foundation (IJCAHPO) and The Foundation for Orthoptic Research and Education in the Americas (FOREA). |
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