Orthoptist

About the Role

Orthoptists are allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to eye movements, binocular vision, and visual function. They work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, assessing and managing conditions such as eye misalignment, eye movement control, amblyopia, and more. Orthoptists play a pivotal role in educating patients and their families about their visual condition, treatment options, and day-to-day management.

Orthoptists function under the direction of a supervising clinical faculty member as mid-level providers and are primarily found in Adult Strabismus, Pediatric, and Neuro-Ophthalmology clinics.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of duties related to the delivery of care to adult and pediatric patients within the Department of Ophthalmology – Kellogg Eye Center.
• Complete any of the American Orthoptic Council (AOC) Certified Orthoptist Clinical Skills Competencies as required.
• Comply with the American Orthoptic Council (AOC) Code of Ethics.
• Provide comprehensive clinical sensorimotor evaluation and visual assessment of ophthalmology patients with ocular motility dysfunction or related neuromuscular anomalies.
• Conduct basic diagnostic evaluation, planning, teaching, and implementing appropriate orthoptic treatment programs and follow-up for selected patients.
• Evaluate patients for current or potential problems with vision, muscle balance, binocular sensory relationships, or related ocular disorders.
• Assess fusional ability and potential using specific diagnostic instruments.
• Plan and implement treatment programs based on evaluation results.
• Evaluate ongoing therapy, adjust management plans, and instruct parents and patients on therapy rationale and methods.
• Collaborate with clinical faculty in planning and follow-up of surgical procedures when needed.
• Conduct a co-management orthoptic clinic with a referral base from internal or external ophthalmologists.
• Teach, provide didactic lectures, and offer clinical instruction to allied health staff, residents, fellows, and orthoptic students.
• Administer eye drops under the direction of clinical faculty and maintain medication supply in compliance with pharmacy requirements.
• Become eligible for American Orthoptic Council (AOC) certification within one year of start date if not already a member.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Satisfactory completion of either an accredited training center program or preceptorship.
• Certification by the American Orthoptic Council (Primary Source Verification required).

Desired Qualifications

• Two years of college with courses in biology, physics, and psychology.
• Diploma from an Accredited Orthoptic Training Program.
• Certified Orthoptist.
• CPR (Basic Life Support) certification.
• Familiarity with ophthalmic terminology.
• Experience with the pediatric population.

Physical Requirements

This position requires moderate standing/walking, as well as lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients.

Why Join Us

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your very first day.
• 2:1 match on retirement savings.

Positions eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change.