Top 10 Questions for Certified Orthoptist Interview

1. How do you assess a patient with a suspected squint?

• Initial interview with patient and/or parent to obtain history of symptoms, previous treatments and family history.
• Visual acuity testing including Snellen, LogMAR and fixation preference tests.
• Ocular motility testing including corneal reflex, ocular alignment in primary gaze and versions.
• Pupillary examination including direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy.
• Measurement of refractive error using retinoscopy and subjective refraction.
• Binocular vision assessment including cover test, Worth 4 dot test and stereopsis testing.

2. What are the different types of squints?

Congenital Squint

• Esotropia (inward turning eye)
• Exotropia (outward turning eye)
• Hypertropia (upward turning eye)
• Hypotropia (downward turning eye)

Acquired Squint

• Accommodative Esotropia (inward turning eye due to excessive focusing)
• Convergence Insufficiency (inability to turn eyes inward)
• Paralytic Strabismus (squint due to weakness of eye muscle)
• Restrictive Strabismus (squint due to mechanical restriction of eye movement)

3. How do you manage a patient with a squint?

• Correct refractive error with glasses or contact lenses.
• Prescribe eye exercises or vision therapy to improve binocular vision.
• Referral for surgical correction if necessary.

4. What are the potential complications of squint surgery?

• Undercorrection or overcorrection of the squint.
• Diplopia (double vision).
• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Scarring.

5. What are the different types of eye movements?

• Saccades: Rapid, voluntary eye movements used to change fixation.
• Smooth pursuit: Slow, continuous eye movements used to track moving objects.
• Vergence: Disconjugate eye movements used to change the angle of convergence.
• Vestibulo-ocular reflex: Reflex eye movements used to stabilize the image on the retina during head movements.
• Optokinetic nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements elicited by moving visual stimuli.

6. How do you assess a patient with nystagmus?

• Observe the patient’s eye movements in different directions of gaze.
• Measure the amplitude, frequency and waveform of the nystagmus.
• Perform a cover test to assess the presence of latent nystagmus.
• Inspect the patient’s head position and neck posture.
• Consider the patient’s history, symptoms and other clinical findings.

7. What are the different causes of nystagmus?

• Congenital nystagmus: Present from birth, often idiopathic.
• Acquired nystagmus: Develops later in life, can be caused by a variety of conditions such as:
  • Central nervous system disorders (e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis)
  • Eye muscle disorders (e.g. myasthenia gravis)
  • Vestibular disorders (e.g. Meniere’s disease)
  • Metabolic disorders (e.g. thyroid disease)
  • Drug toxicity (e.g. alcohol, anticonvulsants)

8. How do you manage a patient with nystagmus?

• Correct refractive error with glasses or contact lenses.
• Prescribe prisms to reduce the amplitude of the nystagmus.
• Consider surgical intervention if indicated.
• Provide support and counseling to the patient and family.

9. What are the different types of visual field defects?

• Central scotoma: Loss of vision in the central part of the visual field.
• Peripheral scotoma: Loss of vision in the peripheral part of the visual field.
• Quadrantic scotoma: Loss of vision in one quadrant of the visual field.
• Hemianopia: Loss of vision in one half of the visual field.
• Tunnel vision: Loss of vision in the peripheral part of the visual field, leaving only a narrow central field of vision.

10. How do you assess a patient with a visual field defect?

• Obtain a detailed history of the patient’s symptoms.
• Perform a confrontation visual field test.
• Consider ordering a formal visual field test (e.g. Humphrey visual field test).
• Interpret the visual field test results and correlate them with the patient’s history and symptoms.

Certified Orthoptists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye movement disorders and other conditions affecting the visual system. They work in collaboration with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages.

1. Patient Assessment and Diagnosis

Orthoptists perform comprehensive eye exams to evaluate patients’ visual acuity, eye movements, and overall eye health. They use specialized equipment and techniques to identify and diagnose a wide range of eye conditions, including strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).

2. Treatment Planning and Management

Based on their assessment findings, orthoptists develop individualized treatment plans for each patient. They may prescribe corrective lenses, eye exercises, vision therapy, or other appropriate interventions to address the underlying eye condition and improve the patient’s visual function.

3. Vision Therapy

Orthoptists provide vision therapy, a type of specialized eye training, to strengthen eye muscles, improve coordination, and enhance visual skills. They work with patients of all ages, including children with developmental vision problems and adults with acquired eye conditions such as stroke or traumatic brain injury.

4. Patient Education and Support

Orthoptists play a vital role in educating patients and their families about eye conditions and treatment options. They provide clear and concise explanations of diagnoses, prognoses, and the importance of adherence to treatment plans. They also offer support and guidance to patients throughout their journey.

Preparing thoroughly for an interview is crucial to making a positive impression and showcasing your qualifications. Here are some key tips to help you ace your interview for a Certified Orthoptist position:

1. Research the Company and Position

Before the interview, take the time to research the healthcare organization and the specific orthoptist position you are applying for. This will give you a good understanding of the company culture, their mission and values, and the responsibilities and expectations of the role.

2. Practice Your Answers

Anticipate common interview questions and prepare your responses in advance. Practice answering questions related to your skills, experience, and why you are interested in the position. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear and concise answers.

3. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific requirements of the position. Emphasize your relevant skills and experience, including any specialized training or certifications in orthoptics. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.

4. Show Your Passion and Enthusiasm

Let the interviewer know that you are genuinely passionate about orthoptics and helping patients improve their vision. Share examples of your dedication to the field and your commitment to providing high-quality care.

5. Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the position and the organization. This shows that you are engaged and genuinely interested in learning more about the role and the company.