Orthoptists

Certification or Licensing

Many employers require that orthoptists be certified. The American Orthoptic Council offers certification to candidates who hold a bachelor's degree and have completed a two-year fellowship program in orthoptics. Eligibility for certification also requires a written recommendation from the candidate's supervisor within the fellowship program. The certification examination consists of written, oral, and practical test sections. The written exam is administered electronically each June, and the oral and practical exam is given in the fall. Certification programs cover the anatomy and physiology of the eye, ocular pharmacology, different types of diagnostic tests, among other areas.