What does an Orthoptist do? – Tasks and Work Environment
An Orthoptist works with diagnosing and treating visual disturbances such as strabismus and binocular vision problems, primarily in children but also in adults. The profession involves close collaboration with ophthalmologists and other eye care specialists. Tasks include eye examinations, assessment of eye motor skills, and developing and implementing treatment plans that may include exercises, patching, or prism glasses. Orthoptists mainly work in hospital eye clinics or specialist clinics and often have contact with both patients and their families. The work environment is clinical, equipped with advanced technology, and characterized by both independent work and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Salary development over time
The salary of an Orthoptist has shown a stable and clearly positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,100 SEK per month, rising the following year to 44 000, a growth of approximately 4.5%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary increased further to 45 500, representing a growth of just over 3.4%. This salary development reflects a continued high demand for specialized skills within eye care and an increased focus on children's and youth's visual health. The salary increases also follow the general trend within the healthcare sector, where specialized nurses are rewarded for their advanced competence. Overall, the profession has experienced a stable and competitive salary growth, making it attractive for both new and experienced practitioners.
Orthoptist salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 45 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 43,100 SEK/month (men), 43,200 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 58,600 SEK/month (men), 52,600 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly rate: 274 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of men's salaries
- Regional differences: Data unavailable (the profession is mainly concentrated at larger hospitals and specialist clinics)
Education and qualifications
Becoming an Orthoptist requires a basic nursing qualification followed by specialist training in eye care and additional orthoptics training. The education combines theoretical and practical components, including topics such as visual physiology, eye motor skills, and diagnostics. Admission often requires work experience in eye care and a strong interest in patient contact and problem-solving.
- Basic education: Licensed nurse (3 years)
- Specialist training: Eye care (1 year)
- Orthoptist training: Supplementary education (1–2 years, typically at university or college)
- Work experience: Often a requirement from eye clinics
- Certifications: Opportunities for further training and certifications within the field
The Orthoptist profession often involves daily contact with children, which requires special pedagogical skills and patience. A successful Orthoptist often develops their own methods to create safety and motivation in younger patients, which can be crucial for treatment outcomes.
Common benefits and compensations
Orthoptists are usually offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, paid professional development, and flexible working hours. Other common benefits include subsidized lunch, work clothing, and secure employment within the public sector. Opportunities for further education and participation in medical conferences and courses that support professional growth are also available.
Challenges and competition
The number of trained Orthoptists is limited, which means competition for positions is relatively low compared to many other healthcare professions. The job market is strongly linked to larger hospitals and specialist clinics, which may result in geographical limitations for job seekers. A challenge in the profession is staying updated on new methods and treatment guidelines within eye care, as well as meeting increased demands for documentation and quality assurance. The patient group is broad, but especially working with children can require extra commitment and adaptation. The profession is physically and mentally demanding, requiring concentration, precision, and empathy in patient interactions.
Tips for aspiring Orthoptists
To succeed as an Orthoptist, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a good eye for detail, as precise eye examinations and diagnostics are central tasks. Patience and pedagogical ability are important qualities, especially when working with children and young people who may need extra support during treatment. Being communicative and attentive facilitates collaboration with patients, their families, and colleagues in eye care. A strong interest in medical development and a willingness to continuously update your knowledge help keep you current in the field. Flexibility and good teamwork skills are also valuable, as the work often takes place in teams. Finally, engagement and empathy are essential for building trust and ensuring the best possible care outcomes.
Key facts about Orthoptists
- Educational level: Specialist-trained nurse with additional qualifications
- Work environment: Hospitals, eye clinics, and specialist centers
- Demand: Limited number of trained professionals, low competition
- Patient group: Children and adults with visual disturbances
- Job openings in the profession: 375
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an Orthoptist can develop further by taking responsibility for training new colleagues, supervising students, or specializing in areas such as neurological vision rehabilitation. Opportunities also exist to work in research and development within eye care or to take on leadership roles at the clinical level. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast is made for the Orthoptist profession due to limited data, but it is included in the group of other specialist nurses where demand is expected to remain stable. In total, there are 375 job openings in this field, indicating good employment opportunities for those with the right education and experience.
Frequently asked questions about Orthoptists
- What is the average salary of an Orthoptist?
- The average salary for an Orthoptist is 45 500 SEK per month.
- How has the salary development been for Orthoptists?
- Salaries have increased from 42,100 SEK in 2022 to 45 500 SEK in 2024, representing a steady growth over three years.
- Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn 98% of what men do in the profession.
- What education is required to become an Orthoptist?
- Basic nursing education plus specialist training in eye care and additional orthoptics training are required.
- Where do Orthoptists usually work?
- Most work at hospital eye clinics, specialist clinics, or university hospitals.
- How does the job market look for Orthoptists?
- The job market is stable with low competition and a limited number of trained professionals.
- What qualities are important for an Orthoptist?
- Pedagogical ability, accuracy, patience, and teamwork are highly valued.
