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Orthoptist

Orthoptists detect, diagnose and treat disorders of the eye and associated eye movement and vision problems.

Orthoptists often work with ophthalmologists, medical practitioners and other allied health professionals.

TASKS

Orthoptists may perform the following tasks:

measure and assess vision and prescribe glasses when appropriate
investigate, monitor and assist with treating eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration
measure and select intraocular (within the eye) lenses for cataract surgery
detect and manage eye movement disorders, such as strabismus (turned eye) and amblyopia (lazy eye), and their sensory consequences
conduct specialised diagnostic and imaging techniques, such as ultrasonography and topography, to determine the effects and progression of eye disease
assess and provide management strategies for people with neurological disorders
devise strategies for rehabilitating impaired vision and design therapy programmes to maximise an individual's remaining vision
provide reports on the existence of eye defects to practitioners, therapists and relevant authorities, such as transport authorities
provide educational information to patients, families and members of the community about eye conditions and their effects
assist the community by providing vision screening tests and promoting preventative eye health care

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

interested in people's health needs
enjoy health sciences
good communication skills

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Orthoptists may specialise in:

ophthalmic eye care, which involves treatment of general eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration

neuro-ophthalmology, which involves the treatment of neurologically based eye disorders caused by stroke and head injury

eye movement disorders and paediatric eye care, which involves the treatment of conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia and double vision

vision rehabilitation, which involves maximising remaining sight in people with low vision using rehabilitation strategies and magnification aids

education or research.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an orthoptist you usually have to complete a degree in vision science, health science or biological science at university, followed by a postgraduate qualification in orthoptics. To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree. A number of universities in Australia offer relevant degrees.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Before undertaking clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate, immunisations and a Working with Children Check (NSW) or a Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Students and graduates may be eligible to become members of Orthoptics Australia, and graduates may register with the Australian Orthoptic Board.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Orthoptists are employed in a wide range of settings, including private practices, specialist eye clinics, public hospitals (including children's hospitals), vision impairment agencies and research centres. Both part-time and full-time employment is available.