Program Overview

About the Program

The Orthoptic Training Program at the University of Iowa is the longest-running program in the nation. The program and students have received the Scobee National Award for highest achievement on board exams several times.

The Orthoptic Training Program at University of Iowa Health Care is located in the Pomerantz Family Pavilion. The majority of the patients are examined in the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Service areas.

Program Outcomes and Certification

After completion of 24 months of orthoptic training, upon recommendation of the director of training, a student is eligible to sit for the national board examinations offered by the American Orthoptic Council. The written board examination is given locally in June. The oral/practical board examination is given to all eligible candidates in September or October at one central location in the US. A fee is charged for these examinations.

Candidates who demonstrate proficiency on both written and oral/practical sections of the examination are awarded the title Certified Orthoptist.

100% of graduates from the Iowa Orthoptic Program pass their board examinations.

Newly certified orthoptists are encouraged to join the American Association of Certified Orthoptists for continued education and progress in the profession.

Meet our Teaching Team

• Tara Bragg, CO: Program Director
• Xiaoyan Shan, CO: Program Director
• Arlene V. Drack, MD: Medical Director
• Lindsay De Andrade, MD: Clinical Assistant Professor
• Alina V. Dumitrescu, MD, FACS: Associate Professor
• Pavlina S. Kemp, MD: Clinical Associate Professor
• Richard J. Olson, MD: Emeritus Professor
• William E. Scott, MD: Emeritus Professor

Additional Information

Program Integrity

The U.S. Department of Education established new regulations designed to ensure that vocational programs prepare their students for gainful employment.

Disclosures

• Standard Occupational Classification on O*NET
• Between 2004 and 2014, 100% of graduates looking for work in the field of eye care were employed 3 months after graduation and 93% were employed as an orthoptist.

Career Opportunities

Placement of certified orthoptists is 100% throughout the United States. Employment opportunities exceed the number of available orthoptists each year. After certification, an orthoptist is able to choose from a number of different career opportunities. In teaching hospitals, the orthoptist may be involved with residents and orthoptic student training, patient examination, and clinic administration. In private practice with an ophthalmologist, the orthoptist may enjoy a variety of diverse responsibilities such as patient examination, surgical assisting, providing patients and their families with a basic understanding of pediatric ophthalmologic disorders, participating in local vision screening programs and acting as an office manager or clinic coordinator. Many orthoptists are involved in clinical research, the results of which may be published in professional journals or presented at regional or national meetings. Part-time positions and placement abroad are often also available.