What is an Orthoptist?

An orthoptist is an eye health professionals who specialise in the detection, diagnosis and management of children’s and adult’s eye disorders.

When will I see an Orthoptist at PEC?

At each visit to  PEC you will be seen prior  to your appointment with the Ophthalmologist by an Ophthalmic assistant or by an Orthoptist depending on your condition, this pretesting enables the Ophthalmologist to have all the information needed when they see you to help them with your diagnosis and management.

In some cases your review visit will be with the Orthoptist alone to monitor your/ or your child’s eye condition, this is always done under the supervision of your treating Ophthalmologist.

Orthoptist - patching

Orthoptists are university-trained allied health practitioners who work in a variety of settings such as private practices, hospitals, low vision and rehabilitation clinics, community health centres and universities.

Orthoptists work independently, in association with ophthalmologists or in a multidisciplinary team.

Orthoptists are specialised in the field of:

Children’s vision

Amblyopia (lazy eye)

Strabismus (squint, turning eye)

Double vision assessment

Ocular motility examination

Pre- and postoperative assessment for squint surgery

Prism assessment and fitting

Non-surgical treatment e.g. exercises

Neurological vision disorders

Orthoptists play a vital role in eye health care in providing help for patients with

Cataracts

Glaucoma

Diabetic eye disease

Retinal disorders

Assessment for laser refractive surgery

Involvement with education and research

Orthoptic equipment

More information can be found at the following links

American association for Pediatric Ophthalmology