Orthoptic Training Program
Duration: 2 Year(s)
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Course TypeTraining
Course Specialty
Orthoptics
Overview
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.
Admission Intake
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Fee (USD):
2500 (Annual)
Stipend (INR):
No stipend is listed; this is a training program with tuition and clinical instruction rather than a salaried employment position.
Accomodation:
At Your Own
Scholarship:
-
Eligibility
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (science preferred, not mandatory).
- Demonstrated interest in pediatric orthoptics/ophthalmology.
Minimum Education
12th Science PCB12th Science PCMCO (Certificate in Orthoptics)
Admission Process:
- Prepare prerequisites: confirm completion of a bachelor’s degree (science preferred).
- Submit application materials as directed by the orthoptic program (typically including transcripts and supporting documents).
- Program review: applications are reviewed by the Orthoptic Program Director and faculty.
- Acceptance and placement: successful applicants are notified and begin the 24-month clinical and didactic training.
- Board preparation: during the program, students prepare for AOC certification exams.
