Orthoptic support workers (sometimes known as orthoptic clinical assistants) are vital members of orthoptic and ophthalmic care teams, supporting registered orthoptists and other healthcare professionals in improving patient outcomes.
There are no fixed entry requirements to become an orthoptic support worker but employers typically look for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths and qualifications or experience in health or social care, such as an NVQ or BTEC at Level 2 or 3.
You will be paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system, starting at Band 2, 3, or 4, depending on your role and responsibilities. You’ll typically work 37.5 hours per week.
Compassion and patience, good communication skills, well organised, excellent attention to detail and an ability to work both independently and as part of a team
With experience, you could progress to more senior orthoptic support worker roles such as senior orthoptic clinical assistant and lead orthoptic clinical assistant. You may even decide to train to become a registered orthoptist.