Most orthoptists work eight hours a day, four or five days a week. The work week is Monday through Friday, although some offices are open evenings and Saturdays in order to accommodate the children who attend school during the weekdays. The working hours are usually flexible. Part-time work is often available. Pay for certified orthoptists varies with the position and employer.
Most orthoptists receive paid vacations and holidays, sick leave, and medical insurance.
Most employers pay the costs for orthoptists to attend professional meetings in order to keep up with advances in orthoptics and maintain continuing education requirements. Other benefits vary with whether the job is in a private practice or a large medical center. To enter study for this work, applicants must have a bachelor's degree. High school and college courses in biology, physics, anatomy, mathematics, physiology, child development, and psychology offer useful background for the study of orthoptics. Orthoptics programs are clinically oriented.