Professional Survey

 

Demography - Working Prospects

Austria Optimistic. There is a demand especially in offices of ophthalmologists, in neuro-ophthalmologic departments and in rehabilitation centers.

Belgium Protection of the profession has been obtained: a national title and national registration. The prospects of the future are moderately optimistic.

Denmark The state now pays the ophthalmologist a separate fee for orthoptic services. Though these need not be performed by an orthoptist, it gives the opportunity for employment of an orthoptist in ophthalmological practice.

France Optimistic because of "transfers of competence", provided that private practice is secured.

Germany Optimistic. No redundant orthoptists. Finding more fields to work in e.g.: rehabilitation etc.

Ireland Due to current "cutbacks" in Health Service there are at present no new vacancies. However orthoptists can see areas which need expanding into and keep these under review.

Italy Moderately optimistic. There is at present little work for orthoptists. In addition optometrists are trying to obtain a recognised and regulated profession.

Luxemburg Almost all the orthoptists in public institutions are employed by the Ministry of Health. Principal activities are screening, strabismus treatment and low-vision. We don't expect many vacancies in the private and public sectors.

Netherlands There are no redundant orthoptists in the Netherlande and the newly qualified orthoptists usually find work within 6 months. We have two great concerns and therefore it is difficult to give a prognosis about our profession. 1) The outcome of a new law on health named "the BIG-wet" (Professions in the individual health care). Only the professions meeting the Government required educational standards are included in this law. The consequence will be that anyone could be allowed to practice orthoptics. It is up tp the patient to ensure that they consult a qualified orthoptist. The health insurance companies will probably only contract with qualified orthoptists. 2) The government is trying to reduce the health costs and is trying to lower the fees of specialists including the ophthalmologists. We do not know how this will affect the position of the orthoptist, especially those who are in service of an ophthalmologist. The fact that there is a shortage of ophthalmologists may work in our favour, but it can also lead to more opportunities for optometrists. Since 1990 optometrists are educated in conformity with the international IOOL-norm and are probably a threat for the orthoptic profession.

Norway Maderately optimistic.

Portugal Moderately optimistic. There are enough positions for orthoptists at present. The great majority are in Public Service and in private.

Sweden Optimistic, no orthoptists out of work. Enlargement of the field of activity, eg rehabilitation, low vision, research etc.

United Kingdom Maderately optimistic. Restructuring of the National Health Service has made little change so far. Orthoptists further need to promote themselves.