Orthoptic Program (Minnesota) - Health Sciences Education - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science

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Program description

month program

6 ophthalmology sub-specialties

Gain experience with pediatric, glaucoma, retina, oculoplastic, cornea, and neuro ophthalmology sub-specialties.

total credits

The Orthoptic Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota offers a comprehensive 24-month program to educate those interested in taking the next steps in their eye care career.

Choosing Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic's large and diverse patient population provides experience with a broad range of ophthalmic conditions. With Mayo Clinic’s multidisciplinary approach to patient-centered care, you’ll gain expertise in a variety of ophthalmologic conditions ranging from common to rare and complex, such as amblyopia, genetic disorders, and complex pediatric and adult strabismus.

You will work alongside a centrally-located team of ophthalmologists, orthoptists, residents and fellows, and other members of the health care team, along with one-on-one classroom instruction and hands-on patient interactions. Your experiences will lead to an exceptional education that will allow you to succeed as a competent, advanced provider.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate of completion from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. Graduates are also qualified to sit for the national board examination, given by the American Orthoptic Council.

Portrait photo of Program Director of Orthoptic Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN

Mayo Clinic offers a unique and robust educational environment. The clinical experience is unmatched with one-on-one training, and exposure to complex cases with a multidisciplinary approach. Our orthoptic training program provides the opportunity to prepare for every possible career prospect from private clinic to an academic setting.

Lindsay Klaehn, C.O.
Program Director

Next steps

Learn more about the prerequisites and apply

student accepted every other year

Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

Rochester, MN

Campus and community

Explore what an orthoptist does

An orthoptist is an allied health care provider within a small subspecialty in the ophthalmic field. Orthoptist’s specialize in the evaluation and treatment of eye movement problems and binocular vision. An orthoptist is specifically trained to evaluate visual function and interpret test results. They can offer a diagnosis and work with the ophthalmologist in formulating individual treatment plans.