What is Orthoptics?
- Orthoptics is from the Greek Ortho-straight and optikos-of or for vision
- Orthoptics is an allied health profession pertaining to the study of eye movements and binocular vision.
- Utilizing specialized examination techniques, the orthoptist
- Evaluates and diagnoses strabismus and amblyopia
- Develops and manages non-surgical treatment for strabismus and amblyopia
- Evaluates vision
- Obtains measurements of eye position
- Assesses double vision and/or visual discomfort
- Participates in patient education and treatment
- Participates in clinical research, teaching, and scientific publication
- Examines infants, children and adults.
An orthoptist is an eye muscle specialist who works under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. The orthoptist is responsible for the evaluation of vision and ocular alignment using specialized examination techniques. The orthoptist actively participates in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of patients with decreased vision and misaligned eyes.
Orthoptics at the University of Iowa
The Orthoptic Training Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is located in the Pomerantz Family Pavilion. The majority of the patients are examined in the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Service.
Our Teaching team
- Tara Bragg, CO - Program Director
- Wanda Pfeifer, MME, OC(C), COMT, CO - Program Director
- Xiaoyan Shan, CO - Program Director
- Arlene V. Drack, MD - Medical Director
- Lindsay De Andrade, MD
- Alina V. Dumitrescu, MD
- Pavlina S. Kemp, MD
- Richard J. Olson, MD, emeritus professor
- William E. Scott, MD, emeritus professor
- and many other department faculty
The Orthoptic Training Program at the University of Iowa is the longest-running program in the nation. The program and students have received the Scobee National Award for highest achievement on board exams several times.
Academic Prerequisites
Students interested in a career in orthoptics must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. An undergraduate major in science is preferred including exposure to the following areas of study: biology, physiology, anatomy, mathematics, basic physics, child development, psychology. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred. Completion of the GRE is not required for application.
Program Integrity
The U.S. Department of Education established new regulations designed to ensure that vocational programs prepare their students for gainful employment.
Disclosures
- Standard Occupational Classification on O*NET
- Between 2004 and 2014, 100% of graduates looking for work in the field of eye care were employed 3 months after graduation and 93% were employed as an orthoptist.
Links for more information:
- The U.S. Department of Education, Gainful Employment Press Release (pdf format)
- Department of Labor’s O*NET.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Orthoptics at the University of Iowa is offered as a zero credit hour course: as such, there is no tuition fee. Students are required to register with the University of Iowa at the beginning of each semester and a registration fee is charged. Fees are determined by the university and tend to increase each year. This allows the student University privileges which include use of the library and other resource facilities, financial aid, health insurance and student discounts.
Students are eligible for a small scholarship through JCAHPO to help with board examination fees. Many students also apply for federal financial aid and loans through the University of Iowa. Contact UI’s Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Instruction
A 24-month training period combines theoretical orthoptics and clinical experience. Students work under the direct supervision of a certified orthoptist and an ophthalmologist. The student is provided with a basic foundation upon which he or she may build to the fullest extent of his or her capability and willingness.
Initially, an introduction to the structures and functions of the eye and physiology of eye movements is given. Specific subject matter includes anatomy and physiology of the eye, neuroanatomy pertinent to eye movements, physiologic optics, basic ocular pharmacology, diagnostic tests, differential diagnosis, and an introduction to the principles of general ophthalmology. Students also participate in the resident physician lecture series and attend daily grand rounds. Patient examination begins with supervised preliminary testing and expands as the student gains the necessary level of ability and proficiency.
Research
Each student shall be required to complete at least one research project under the supervision of a staff orthoptist during his/her training period. This project will be presented at the ophthalmology departmental research day as well as at the Midwest Regional Orthoptic meeting (funding permitting).
Certification
After completion of 24 months of orthoptic training, upon recommendation of the director of training, a student is eligible to sit for the national board examinations offered by the American Orthoptic Council. The written board examination is given locally in June. The oral/practical board examination is given to all eligible candidates in September or October at one central location in the US. A fee is charged for these examinations.
Candidates who demonstrate proficiency on both written and oral/practical sections of the examination are awarded the title Certified Orthoptist.
100% of graduates from the Iowa Orthoptic Program pass their board examinations.
Newly certified orthoptists are encouraged to join the American Association of Certified Orthoptists for continued education and progress in the profession.
Career Opportunities
Placement of certified orthoptists is 100% throughout the United States. Employment opportunities exceed the number of available orthoptists each year. After certification, an orthoptist is able to choose from a number of different career opportunities. In teaching hospitals, the orthoptist may be involved with residents and orthoptic student training, patient examination, and clinic administration. In private practice with an ophthalmologist, the orthoptist may enjoy a variety of diverse responsibilities such as patient examination, surgical assisting, providing patients and their families with a basic understanding of pediatric ophthalmologic disorders, participating in local vision screening programs and acting as an office manager or clinic coordinator. Many orthoptists are involved in clinical research, the results of which may be published in professional journals or presented at regional or national meetings. Part-time positions and placement abroad are often also available.
Contact
For additional information about orthoptics or orthoptic training at the University of Iowa, please contact us at OTP-Orthoptics@uiowa.edu.