Level of Proficiency as an Orthoptist

Abstract

[Purpose] An orthoptist's level of proficiency could lead to improvement in patient's quality of vision and quality of life. However, the level of proficiency as an orthoptist has not been clearly defined. In this study, we investigated what were the qualities of a proficient orthoptist.
[Subjects and Methods] Subjects were 19 orthoptists (average years of career, 6.1 years) and 5 ophthalmologists (average years of career, 22.2 years) from university hospitals in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, Shizuoka, or Tochigi Prefectures. The subjects responded to the following question through email: "In your opinion, what are the qualities of a proficient orthoptist?" Their responses were analyzed using the KJ method. The results were presented in classified categories according to the similarities among them.
[Results] A total of 90 items classified into 18 categories were obtained. The qualities of a proficient orthoptist included "Having his/her own area of specialty", "Be able to quickly adapt himself/herself to patients' needs", "Be able to perform checkups quickly and accurately" , "Be able to accomplish various kinds of tasks", "Be considerate to colleagues", and "Be able to have a broad outlook on the job and working environment".
[Conclusion] Besides adequate skills and knowledge of this profession, orthoptists should also possess their own clear idea of the job and do their jobs based on the idea. In addition, to obtain accurate checkup results, the ability to communicate well with patients is also essential. To perform their duties smoothly, orthoptists should also have a clear general outlook on the working environment.