The Ross Eye Institute Orthoptic Program

A Career in Orthoptics

Orthoptics is an allied health profession, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of disorders of visual function, eye movements, eye alignment, and binocular vision in children and adults. The orthoptist carries out a series of diagnostic tests and measurements on patients with visual function deficits, including amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (misaligned eyes), and diplopia (double vision), and participates with the ophthalmologist in the design and implementation of a treatment plan. In some situations, the orthoptist carries out the treatment, and in others the patient is treated medically or surgically by the ophthalmologist, while the orthoptist is responsible for monitoring the patient’s condition and progress.

The role of the orthoptist demands intelligence, sound judgment, intellectual honesty, and the ability to relate well to patients of all ages, but particularly infants, children and the elderly. Because of the nature of many disorders of visual function, most of the orthoptist’s patients are young children. While most of these children are otherwise active and healthy, some have associated physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.

Orthoptics offers opportunities for dynamic, motivated individuals who want to exercise or develop leadership ability, public speaking, creativity, teaching skills, clinical research skills, and medical writing and publication, in addition to patient care. This profession may at times combine elements of social work, education, patient advocacy, medical legal politics, and psychology, in addition to science and medicine!

Employment

Orthoptics is both intellectually challenging and rewarding, and offers a variety of job opportunities and responsibilities. Orthoptists are employed in a variety of settings: teaching hospitals, university medical centers, children’s hospitals, and solo or multi-specialty ophthalmology practices. Other orthoptists work as consultants, traveling to several sites to see patients, or function as professional advisors to community agencies concerned with vision.

There is a growing demand for orthoptists in the United States. Currently, there are more jobs available than there are orthoptists graduating from schools. Orthoptists enjoy financial compensation and benefits at the high end of that earned by other allied health professions.

For more information on Orthoptics, contact:
American Orthoptic Council
Attn: Leslie France, C.O.
3914 Nakoma Road
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 233-5383
(608) 263-7694 fax
www.orthoptics.org

An Education in Orthoptics at the Ross Eye Institute

Overview

The Ross Eye Institute is home to an Orthoptic Program, fully accredited by the American Orthoptic Council (AOC). The two-year course of study runs from September through August, year-round. Full time attendance, Monday through Friday is required, with 3 weeks of vacation per year. Successful graduates earn a Certificate of completion from the Department of Ophthalmology, and are then qualified to sit for the national Board Examinations, given by the AOC. These examinations consist of a written exam, an oral exam, and a practical exam. Those candidates successfully passing the board exams earn national certification, and are entitled to use the designation “C.O.” (Certified Orthoptist). They are also invited to join the American Association of Certified Orthoptists (AACO), a dynamic and active professional organization.

Faculty

Kyle Arnoldi, C.O., C.O.M.T.
Program Director

James D. Reynolds, M.D.
Medical Director

Curriculum

The study of orthoptics follows a logical sequence of courses vital to the understanding of the visual system, combined with hands-on supervised clinical practice. Didactic studies include anatomy and physiology of the eye, anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous system, physiology and kinematics of eye movement, principles of visual perception, basic ophthalmic exam techniques, pharmacology, ophthalmic optics, diagnostic testing, orthoptic treatment, systemic disease effecting the eye, and principles of eye surgery. Though the majority of the internship is focused on pediatric ophthalmology, course work in adult neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, external diseases of the eye, and low vision are also presented. Students are required to design, complete, and present a clinical research project. Students are also required to attend one regional or national AACO-sponsored scientific meeting per year.

Advanced Standing

Those individuals with education or experience in ophthalmology may be eligible for advanced standing status, provided they meet the other admission criteria. JCAHPO-certified ophthalmic medical personnel are required to have credentialing at the C.O.M.T. level in order to be eligible for advanced standing in this Program.

Advanced standing students may complete an orthoptic program in less than the full 24 months, but no less than 12 months. Advanced standing is granted on an individual basis after a personal interview (mandatory), and completion of a written placement exam, pending approval by the AOC.

Costs

Tuition for the full 2-year program is $2000 USD. The student is financially responsible for all living expenses during training. Students are also required to attend one regional or national scientific meeting per year, and are responsible for all travel and expenses incurred. Students are also required to purchase several text books in the first year of training.

Orthoptic students do no usually qualify for conventional student loans. However, partial scholarships based on need and merit are available for orthoptic training from the Joint Commission on Allied Health in Ophthalmology Education and Research Foundation. For more information on scholarships, contact:

JCAHPO Education and Research Foundation
2025 Woodlane Drive
St. Paul, MN 55125-2995
800-284-3937

In addition, a low-interest orthoptic student loan is now available from the Costenbader Society, a membership organization of pediatric ophthalmologists. For more information, see the FAQ sheet. Students may apply by submitting the application (pdf)

Cynthia Avilla, C.O.
Chair, Loan Advisory Committee
5614 Effingham Drive
Houston, TX 77035
713-668-2378 fax
cavalla@houstoneye.com
cwavilla@msn.com

Application & Admissions

The REI Orthoptic Program invites applications from January through May from qualified individuals. The REI Orthoptic Program admits a maximum of two students per year. Applicants are required to have earned a baccalaureate degree before entering the Program. A background in the sciences is recommended, but not required. To apply, candidates must complete and submit an application form (pdf), official academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or former employers, and a personal autobiographical statement, written in the handwriting of the applicant. Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview. Applicants from out of state may request a phone interview, but preference will be shown those who complete an on-site personal interview.

For more information on the REI Orthoptic Program, contact:

Kyle Arnoldi, C.O., C.O.M.T.
Program Director
(716) 834-1445
(716) 834-0081 fax
kylea@buffalo.edu