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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Get Access To All JobsMission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job Summary
Orthoptists are allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to eye movements, binocular vision and visual function. They work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They assess and manage conditions that affect visual development and binocular function such as eye misalignment, eye movement control, amblyopia, and more. Orthoptists play a pivotal role in educating patients and their family about their visual condition, treatment options, and how to manage their condition on a day-to-day basis.
Responsibilities
- Performs a broad range of duties related to the delivery of care to adult and pediatric patients seen within the Department of Ophthalmology – Kellogg Eye Center.
- Be able to complete any of the American Orthoptic Council (AOC) Certified Orthoptist Clinical Skills Competencies when called upon to do so.
- Comply with American Orthoptic Council (AOC) Code of Ethics.
- Provide comprehensive clinical sensorimotor evaluation and visual assessment of ophthalmology patients with ocular motility dysfunction or related neuromuscular anomalies.
- Services include basic diagnostic evaluation, planning, teaching and implementing appropriate orthoptic treatment programs and follow-up for selected patients.
- Evaluate assigned patient in terms of current or potential problems with vision, muscle balance, binocular sensory relationships or related ocular disorder.
- Provide fundamental assessment of fusional ability and potential, including use of specific diagnostic instruments.
- Plan and implement treatment programs for selected patients based on evaluation results.
- Evaluate ongoing therapy, institute appropriate changes in the management plan and provides instruction to parents and patients regarding the rationale and methods necessary to carry out therapy.
- Collaborate with clinical faculty in the planning and follow-up of surgical procedure when needed.
- Conduct a co-management orthoptic clinic that includes a referral base from potentially internal or external ophthalmologists.
- Teach, give didactic lectures, and provide clinical instruction to allied health staff, residents, fellows and orthoptic students.
- Administer eye drops under the direction of clinical faculty and maintain medication supply with compliance to medication expiration and pharmacy requirements.
- If not a member of American Orthoptic Council (AOC), become eligible within one year of start date.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Graduation from high school or similar combination of education and experience.
- Satisfactory completion of either an accredited training center program or preceptorship. Certification by the American Orthoptic Council.
- This classification requires Primary Source Verification.
Desired Qualifications
- Two years of college with courses in biology, physics and psychology.
- Diploma from Accredited Orthoptic Training Program.
- Certified Orthoptist.
- CPR (Basic Life Support) certification.
- Familiarity with ophthalmic terminology.
- Experience with pediatric population.
Physical Requirements
This position requires moderate standing/walking, as well as lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring of patients.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day.
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
- Orthoptists function under the direction of a supervising clinical faculty member as mid-level providers and are primarily found in Adult Strabismus, Pediatric and Neuro-Ophthalmology clinics. General/managerial supervision is received from Kellogg Eye Center clinic operational leadership.
- This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
282027
Working Title
Orthoptist
Job Title
Orthoptist
Work Location
Michigan Medicine - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Um Hospital
Department
MM KEC Orthoptist
Posting Begin/End Date
8/28/2026 - 10/19/2026
Salary
$74,027.20 - $107,473.60
Career Interest
Patient Care Services
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job Summary
Orthoptists are allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to eye movements, binocular vision and visual function. They work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They assess and manage conditions that affect visual development and binocular function such as eye misalignment, eye movement control, amblyopia, and more. Orthoptists play a pivotal role in educating patients and their family about their visual condition, treatment options, and how to manage their condition on a day-to-day basis.
Responsibilities
- Performs a broad range of duties related to the delivery of care to adult and pediatric patients seen within the Department of Ophthalmology – Kellogg Eye Center.
- Be able to complete any of the American Orthoptic Council (AOC) Certified Orthoptist Clinical Skills Competencies when called upon to do so.
- Comply with American Orthoptic Council (AOC) Code of Ethics.
- Provide comprehensive clinical sensorimotor evaluation and visual assessment of ophthalmology patients with ocular motility dysfunction or related neuromuscular anomalies.
- Services include basic diagnostic evaluation, planning, teaching and implementing appropriate orthoptic treatment programs and follow-up for selected patients.
- Evaluate assigned patient in terms of current or potential problems with vision, muscle balance, binocular sensory relationships or related ocular disorder.
- Provide fundamental assessment of fusional ability and potential, including use of specific diagnostic instruments.
- Plan and implement treatment programs for selected patients based on evaluation results.
- Evaluate ongoing therapy, institute appropriate changes in the management plan and provides instruction to parents and patients regarding the rationale and methods necessary to carry out therapy.
- Collaborate with clinical faculty in the planning and follow-up of surgical procedure when needed.
- Conduct a co-management orthoptic clinic that includes a referral base from potentially internal or external ophthalmologists.
- Teach, give didactic lectures, and provide clinical instruction to allied health staff, residents, fellows and orthoptic students.
- Administer eye drops under the direction of clinical faculty and maintain medication supply with compliance to medication expiration and pharmacy requirements.
- If not a member of American Orthoptic Council (AOC), become eligible within one year of start date.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Graduation from high school or similar combination of education and experience.
- Satisfactory completion of either an accredited training center program or preceptorship. Certification by the American Orthoptic Council.
- This classification requires Primary Source Verification.
Desired Qualifications
- Two years of college with courses in biology, physics and psychology.
- Diploma from Accredited Orthoptic Training Program.
- Certified Orthoptist.
- CPR (Basic Life Support) certification.
- Familiarity with ophthalmic terminology.
- Experience with pediatric population.
Physical Requirements
This position requires moderate standing/walking, as well as lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring of patients.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day.
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
- Orthoptists function under the direction of a supervising clinical faculty member as mid-level providers and are primarily found in Adult Strabismus, Pediatric and Neuro-Ophthalmology clinics. General/managerial supervision is received from Kellogg Eye Center clinic operational leadership.
- This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
282027
Working Title
Orthoptist
Job Title
Orthoptist
Work Location
Michigan Medicine - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Um Hospital
Department
MM KEC Orthoptist
Posting Begin/End Date
8/28/2026 - 10/19/2026
Salary
$74,027.20 - $107,473.60
Career Interest
Patient Care Services
See all 506+ 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.