Occupation AtlasOrthoptists

O*NET · 29-1299.02

Orthoptists

Diagnose and treat visual system disorders such as binocular vision and eye movement impairments.

Also called Clinical Orthoptist (CO) · CO · CO (Certified Orthoptist)
Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code IRS35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Geographers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRSInvestigative · Realistic · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative5.74
  • R Realistic4.88
  • S Social4.77
  • C Conventional3.82
  • A Artistic1.88
  • E Enterprising1.47

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree15%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate67%
  • Master's Degree15%
  • Post-Master's Certificate3%
Related work experience
None (41%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (33%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (27%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • SciencebasicImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • InstructingImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
Show the other 23

Tasks

14 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Examine patients with problems related to ocular motility, binocular vision, amblyopia, or strabismus.Importance 5.0
  2. Evaluate, diagnose, or treat disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision or abnormal eye movements.Importance 5.0
  3. Provide nonsurgical interventions, including corrective lenses, patches, drops, fusion exercises, or stereograms, to treat conditions such as strabismus, heterophoria, and convergence insufficiency.Importance 4.9
  4. Perform diagnostic tests or measurements, such as motor testing, visual acuity testing, lensometry, retinoscopy, and color vision testing.Importance 4.9
  5. Develop nonsurgical treatment plans for patients with conditions such as strabismus, nystagmus, and other visual disorders.Importance 4.8
  6. Interpret clinical or diagnostic test results.Importance 4.7
  7. Provide instructions to patients or family members concerning diagnoses or treatment plans.Importance 4.7
  8. Refer patients to ophthalmic surgeons or other physicians.Importance 4.4
  9. Develop or use special test and communication techniques to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of children or patients with disabilities.Importance 4.4
  10. Provide training related to clinical methods or orthoptics to students, resident physicians, or other health professionals.Importance 4.2
  11. Collaborate with ophthalmologists, optometrists, or other specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, or management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases.Importance 4.1
  12. Prepare diagnostic or treatment reports for other medical practitioners or therapists.Importance 3.9
Show the other 4
  1. Participate in clinical research projects.Importance 3.4
  2. Assist ophthalmologists in diagnostic ophthalmic procedures, such as ultrasonography, fundus photography, and tonometry.Importance 3.3
  3. Present or publish scientific papers.Importance 3.0
  4. Perform vision screening of children in schools or community health centers.Importance 2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • BiologyImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • English LanguageImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • PsychologyImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • MathematicsImportance 3.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
Show all 33
  • PhysicsImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.5Level 2.7
  • ChemistryImportance 2.2Level 2.6
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.2Level 2.6
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • MechanicalImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • DesignImportance 1.3Level —
  • GeographyImportance 1.2Level —
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • TransportationImportance 1.2Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Problem SensitivityImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Finger DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Manual DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.8
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Control PrecisionImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Time SharingImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • VisualizationImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.8
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.8Level 0.8
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.8Level 0.8
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.3Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.3Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.7Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.7Level 5.6
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.4Level 5.6
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.9Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.9Level 2.8
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 2.9
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.9
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.6
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.8Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.8Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams5.0
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled5.0
  • Contact With Others4.9
  • E-Mail4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Physical Proximity4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.5
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.5
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.4

Technology

12 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (3)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (9)
  • Computer Aided Vision Therapy CAVT
  • Computer perceptual processing software
  • Email software
  • Eye Tracking Exercises Enterprises Track with Letters
  • HTS Vision CVS2
  • HTS Vision HTS2 Computerized Binocular Home Eye Exercise System
  • MAX Systems Max-Gold Medical Clinic Software
  • SeeRite Flash and Match
  • Therapeutic orthoptic software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.