Orthoptists in Research Careers

Not all Orthoptists will have a purely clinical career.  Research is vital to our profession, ensuring we have a current understanding of how eye conditions can effect a population and how to treat our patients effectively.

Helen is an early career research orthoptist and this is her journey so far...

"I studied for a BMedSci (Hons) Orthoptics at The University of Sheffield, graduating in July 2016 with a first-class honours. I was subsequently offered a post at the University of Leicester as a research orthoptist in August 2016. I am also working on a part time PhD at the University of Leicester looking at phenotype-genotype relationships with the use of hand-held optical coherence tomography (OCT) and eye movement recordings.

We are working on many exciting projects in Leicester, however my current job role is focussed on working with a wider team at the university and IIIT (India) to introduce the application of artificial intelligence into paediatric ophthalmology with the use of OCT. I was grateful to be given the opportunity to present this work at BIPOSA conference 2019.

There is a fantastic variety of work associated with my post as a research orthoptist, ranging from working in theatres examining paediatric patients under general anaesthesia, to analysing clinical and genetic information, to writing up papers with the intention of publishing. I also work in a clinical post, therefore I usually have one day a week where I will examine paediatric and adult patients in a hospital setting. There are also plenty of great opportunities to develop your skills with various courses including statistics workshops and high performance computing training.

As an orthoptist, I also have the opportunity to teach a diverse range of individuals from international medical students to ophthalmologists in teaching environments such as clinics, lectures, small group workshops and one-to-one teaching. With my teaching experiences, I was subsequently awarded an Associate Fellowship of the HEA in 2019.

Following the completion of my PhD, I aspire to undertake a post-doctoral fellowship and develop my career towards becoming an academic clinician. Furthermore, I am interested to continue my involvement in a variety of teaching environments."

Orthoptists are improving lives every day

Patient stories are really important to show the impact orthoptists have on people’s lives. Strabismus can effect self esteem in patients of all ages. Patients report avoiding social situations and even job interviews. Read Leanne’s story here...


“During my younger years I was quite oblivious to how much my eye turned in, but once I got to high school age the other children made it very clear that I looked different.
The name calling began, I was called ‘boc eye’ and ‘gozzy’ to name a few.  I became quiet and kept myself to myself.  I remember growing a fringe and trying to use my hairstyle to keep my eye covered.  It absolutely affected my confidence during my school years. I was referred to an Orthoptic clinic where I had tests to measure the position of my eye and check if I could use my eyes together. At 15 I had my corrective squint surgery and even with the blood shot eye I instantly felt better and once the eye had healed I really did feel like a different person. Without the orthoptists and the ophthalmologist who did my operation, I feel that I would not have got a job as cabin crew when I left school and had the confidence to do all the amazing things I have done in my life.  I would not  be the person I am today.  Every child with a squint should have the opportunity to feel the same way I felt the day I had my operation.  Being an orthoptist must be a very rewarding job!”

Leanne has shared a baby photo and how she looks today. She is confident and happy and this is one reason why we love our job (we have many reasons).

Thank you Leanne for sharing your story.