Orthoptist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Orthoptists qualify for H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship as specialty occupation healthcare professionals. U.S. demand is concentrated in academic medical centers, pediatric hospitals, and ophthalmology practices, most of which have active LCA filing histories and established sponsorship infrastructure. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Day (United States of America)
Seeking Breakthrough Makers
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.
At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care—and your career.
CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means.
A Brief Overview
The Orthoptist will help manage the care of a select group of ophthalmic patients treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the hospital satellite offices, as well as teaching and clinical research. The position will primarily involve clinical care in a busy multidisciplinary, academic environment with a high level of pathology and potential for involvement in the teaching and academic programs of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania.
What you will do
- Assists the pediatric ophthalmology staff with the clinical evaluation of patients by:
- Medical and ophthalmic history-taking, review of systems, medication reconciliation and summary of chief complaint.
- Vision and sensory testing, strabismus measurements, Teller visual acuity testing, visual field testing, and other components of the ophthalmic examination.
- Escorting patients to and from waiting areas and exam areas.
- Administering medicated eye drops for cycloplegia.
- Retinoscopic and manifest refraction.
- Education and instruction of patients regarding glasses, patching, administration of medications, eye exercises.
- Documenting findings concisely and accurately in the electronic health record.
- Consulting with appropriate physician as needed.
- Coordinating the timing of sequence of examination and requirements for scheduling additional tests, alerting proper clinical areas in order to facilitate patient flow, patient care, and clinic operation.
- Independently staff and operate an Orthoptics Clinic within the Ophthalmology Clinics approximately bimonthly for the management of amblyopia, diplopia, convergence insufficiency, and other orthoptic patients.
- Teaches ophthalmic technicians, medical students, ophthalmology residents, and pediatric ophthalmology fellows in ophthalmology clinics.
- Participates internal training and education with other ophthalmology staff.
- Attends and presents at continuing education offerings for orthoptists, nurses and technicians.
- Participates in departmental research activities and may assume responsibility as primary author of research involving strabismus and amblyopia patients, to be published in various orthoptic and ophthalmology journals.
- Attends and participates in seminars, conferences, and conventions.
- Delivers papers concerning own research at meetings such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology or AAPOS.
Education Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree - Required
Experience Qualifications
Prior experience in an ophthalmology clinic - Required
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent clinical and diagnostic skills. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to work compatibly with physicians and other department members. (Required proficiency)
- Must have good stamina and good decision making skills. (Required proficiency)
- Basic computer skills required and previous experience with electronic medical records preferred. (Required proficiency)
- Personal qualities include the ability to communicate effectively; both orally and in writing. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to work compatibility with physicians and other department members. (Required proficiency)
- Must have stamina and good decision making skills (Required proficiency)
Licenses and Certifications
Orthoptic Certification - American Orthoptic Council - within 12 months - Required
To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.
EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement
SALARY RANGE:
$81,670.00 - $104,130.00 Annually
Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly.
At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.
SHIFT:
Day (United States of America)
Seeking Breakthrough Makers
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.
At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care—and your career.
CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means.
A Brief Overview
The Orthoptist will help manage the care of a select group of ophthalmic patients treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the hospital satellite offices, as well as teaching and clinical research. The position will primarily involve clinical care in a busy multidisciplinary, academic environment with a high level of pathology and potential for involvement in the teaching and academic programs of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania.
What you will do
- Assists the pediatric ophthalmology staff with the clinical evaluation of patients by:
- Medical and ophthalmic history-taking, review of systems, medication reconciliation and summary of chief complaint.
- Vision and sensory testing, strabismus measurements, Teller visual acuity testing, visual field testing, and other components of the ophthalmic examination.
- Escorting patients to and from waiting areas and exam areas.
- Administering medicated eye drops for cycloplegia.
- Retinoscopic and manifest refraction.
- Education and instruction of patients regarding glasses, patching, administration of medications, eye exercises.
- Documenting findings concisely and accurately in the electronic health record.
- Consulting with appropriate physician as needed.
- Coordinating the timing of sequence of examination and requirements for scheduling additional tests, alerting proper clinical areas in order to facilitate patient flow, patient care, and clinic operation.
- Independently staff and operate an Orthoptics Clinic within the Ophthalmology Clinics approximately bimonthly for the management of amblyopia, diplopia, convergence insufficiency, and other orthoptic patients.
- Teaches ophthalmic technicians, medical students, ophthalmology residents, and pediatric ophthalmology fellows in ophthalmology clinics.
- Participates internal training and education with other ophthalmology staff.
- Attends and presents at continuing education offerings for orthoptists, nurses and technicians.
- Participates in departmental research activities and may assume responsibility as primary author of research involving strabismus and amblyopia patients, to be published in various orthoptic and ophthalmology journals.
- Attends and participates in seminars, conferences, and conventions.
- Delivers papers concerning own research at meetings such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology or AAPOS.
Education Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree - Required
Experience Qualifications
Prior experience in an ophthalmology clinic - Required
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent clinical and diagnostic skills. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to work compatibly with physicians and other department members. (Required proficiency)
- Must have good stamina and good decision making skills. (Required proficiency)
- Basic computer skills required and previous experience with electronic medical records preferred. (Required proficiency)
- Personal qualities include the ability to communicate effectively; both orally and in writing. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to work compatibility with physicians and other department members. (Required proficiency)
- Must have stamina and good decision making skills (Required proficiency)
Licenses and Certifications
Orthoptic Certification - American Orthoptic Council - within 12 months - Required
To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.
EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement
SALARY RANGE:
$81,670.00 - $104,130.00 Annually
Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly.
At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.
See all 113+ Orthoptist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Orthoptist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Orthoptist Jobs
Verify your credential equivalency before applying
U.S. employers need confirmation that your orthoptic training program meets specialty occupation standards. Get a foreign credential evaluation from a NACES-recognized evaluator that maps your degree to a U.S. bachelor's equivalent before any offer stage.
Target academic medical centers with ophthalmology departments
Pediatric hospitals and university-affiliated eye institutes file LCAs most consistently for orthoptists. Search OFLC Wage Search for certified LCAs under SOC code 29-1299 to identify which institutions have sponsored this role before.
Confirm your role meets specialty occupation criteria
USCIS scrutinizes orthoptist petitions because the occupation sits outside standard nursing classifications. Pull the O*NET profile for orthoptists and document the specific degree fields your employer requires to strengthen the specialty occupation argument in the I-129.
Ask your employer about cap-exempt filing options
Orthoptists hired by nonprofit hospitals, university medical schools, or research institutions affiliated with a university may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B filing. That means no lottery and year-round filing, which significantly shortens your start date timeline.
Use Migrate Mate to file your H-1B without a law firm
Once you have a signed offer, Migrate Mate handles LCA submission through DOL and the I-129 petition through USCIS for a flat fee. You get a dedicated expert rather than being passed between associates at a large immigration firm.
Negotiate LCA filing into your offer letter terms
Employers unfamiliar with orthoptist sponsorship sometimes delay LCA filing after signing. Get written confirmation of the intended start date and LCA submission timeline in your offer letter so the DOL seven-business-day certification window doesn't compress your consular appointment scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is orthoptist a qualifying specialty occupation for H-1B?
Yes, orthoptist roles typically qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific clinical field. USCIS looks for a direct relationship between the degree and the job duties. Employers strengthen their petition by specifying the required degree field in the job posting and offer letter rather than listing a generic allied health degree.
Do I need U.S. board certification to get sponsored as an orthoptist?
Board certification through the American Orthoptic Council is not federally required for visa sponsorship, but most academic medical centers and pediatric hospital systems require it for clinical credentialing. Employers may offer a conditional start date while you complete the certification process, but the LCA and I-129 can be filed before you sit for the exam.
Which visa is better for orthoptists, H-1B or O-1?
Most orthoptists pursue H-1B because it fits straightforward specialty occupation cases. The O-1 visa is available if you have published research, teaching appointments, or awards recognized in the field, but the evidentiary bar is high and most clinical orthoptists don't meet it without significant academic credentials. H-1B cap-exempt filing through a qualifying institution is a better path for most.
Where can I find employers who sponsor orthoptists in the U.S.?
Browse orthoptist roles with confirmed sponsorship history on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers with active LCA filings. You can also search OFLC Wage Search using the relevant SOC code to see which hospitals and eye institutes have filed LCAs for this occupation. Academic medical centers and children's hospital networks are the most consistent sponsors.
How long does H-1B sponsorship take for an orthoptist position?
Standard H-1B processing runs three to six months from LCA certification through USCIS approval. Premium processing cuts the USCIS adjudication window to 15 business days for an additional fee. Cap-subject cases must align with the annual lottery in March and an October 1 start date. Cap-exempt employers at nonprofits or universities can file and start you any time of year.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Orthoptist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.