Any Orthoptists out there ?

[KingCatMeowInSpace]

DS considering applying for this at Uni but wondering what chance of getting a job in Glasgow afterwards are - wondering if he should choose a career with more opportunities. Thanks

Not an orthoptist but work in an aligned career. Not many are trained each year so although there won’t be many jobs advertised, there also won’t be many applicants.

Many people live in Glasgow but work for NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Lothian etc. So Greater Glasgow and Clyde doesn’t need to be the only destination.

There will be placements in Glasgow so that will give him a feel for the department and opportunity to make a good impression.

Thanks for replying - yes placements will really help, like you say.

Chances of getting a job in Glasgow arent great if I’m honest.
Orthoptics is quite competitive when trying to get a post in Scotland (because the students training at GCU are typically local and they all want the same thing.)
it’s also worth considering the recent announcement re the reduction to 2 health boards although I doubt this will impact on clinicians on the front line too much.
Regarding the placements they can be anywhere, a recent graduate I know had several down south.

Its a very female biased profession and involves a lot of working with preschool children. There is opportunity for extended roles in many departments, especially down south.
Career progression will also stop at around a band 7 for majority of orthoptists and there arent lots of opportunities for private work. It probably travels ok when considering Australia/NZ.

Optometry is also taught at GCU and probably has more males applying. If your son has the qualifications he'd probably be better off doing that. However, I’ll caveat that with I’d not advise my child to go into either as a career. But optometry does have the ability to work as a locum so can provide flexibility and can be potentially lucrative if willing to travel.
However if your son wants to move abroad options are limited unless he’s prepared to under further exams.

Thanks for that - appreciate it . Any reason why you wouldn’t encourage your child? He doesn’t want to move abroad - ideally wants to stay in Scotland as likes being near family.

In Orthoptics because it’s v much a closed shop, there arent a lot of new posts being created so you’re essentially waiting for the old guard to leave. The profession is also being encouraged into extended roles for which the remuneration isn’t great.
In optometry because the scope of work has extended massively in the past two decades and wages have stayed fairly static. Lots more responsibility with minimal recognition from employers as the majority are still just interested in the sales you make not your clinical competence.

Ah I see - unfortunately he would need 1 more science to do optometry so is thinking orthoptics but, like you, I’m not sure. Yes I’m concerned re Jobs at the end of the course as, like you say, not lots of jobs so will have to move wherever the job is and could end up down very south England when he wants to stay in Scotland. When you mention extended roles, what kinds of things is that?

There’s a significant shortage of medical staff in ophthalmology so departments are training optometrists, orthoptists and nurses to do roles that were traditionally performed by drs.
These can vary from glaucoma management through to injections into the eyes.
It makes for an interesting career but not particularly lucrative, band 7 is a good level
for orthoptists and at the moment that pays a little north of £60k. Entry level is typically band 5.
feel free to DM me if you have any other questions