Orthoptics

Hi all,
Just posting in this forum aswell in case anyone knows about the following.
I have been offered a place on a pre-reg MSc Orthoptics course at Liverpool. Are there any Orthoptists on here?
I want to find out a bit more about job prospects, because there do not appear to be many Orthoptist vacancies on NHS Jobs.
Within the NHS, are Orthoptists eligible to apply for any other positions/perform other roles within Ophthalmology?
Also, are there any opportunities for Orthoptists to work in high street opticians/private practice? I have no doubt that I would find the job to be fascinating and rewarding, it is just the jobs market which concerns me. Also, does anyone know if it is possible to do a shortened optometry course as a qualified orthoptist?
Thanks in advance.

hi im a current student doing orthoptics at Liverpool. im in first year but I have a bit of knowledge on some of ur questions
Once you have finished ur degree, you will be a qualified orthoptist so that realistically is the job you will get after uni. There are job opportunities all around the globe for orthoptics, so you don't have to just stay in England.
as for job vacancies you do have to wait for a job to be available, like with any job. I've been speaking to a professional orthoptist whilst on placement and she said that when roles do appear it may not be near where you want as the job is very niche or when you first start applying there may only be part time roles. but once you have the job, youre in!
When you are a working orthoptist, there are opportunities to specialise in other roles (such as glaucoma specialist), go private, help with certain surgeries (such as botox surgery in the eye), do a manager role, and you can work your way up. However its unlikely you will be able to progress to be an opthalmologist as they are doctors, orthoptists are not doctors.
With working privately, I have met a few on placement that do, however they only work private a couple days of the week and the rest of the days with the NHS due to there not being as much demand for private, she also said that private roles are only common down south and not in the north due to money and population. You also have to be working for a certain amount of years to go private, I think it was 3/4 years.
I wouldn't worry about the job market part as roles are always appearing, it just might not be where you want it to be.
I hope this helps

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I decided not to pursue Orthoptics