Orthoptic Training Program

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree (science preferred, not mandatory).
2. Demonstrated interest in pediatric orthoptics/ophthalmology.

The Orthoptic Training Program at Lurie Children’s Hospital is a 24-month allied health training experience designed to prepare students for careers as orthoptists — professionals specializing in disorders of the visual system, particularly binocular vision and ocular motility disorders . Orthoptists play a key role in pediatric ophthalmology teams by conducting diagnostic testing and helping manage conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), and double vision across all ages, with a strong focus on children. Trainees receive extensive didactic instruction and clinical exposure, including observing and examining patients under the supervision of licensed orthoptists and ophthalmologists, and rotating through related services such as adult strabismus clinics at Northwestern Ophthalmology Patient Services. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Orthoptic Council (AOC) certification examinations (written, oral, and practical), a requirement for national orthoptic certification.