Qualification and registration requirements

Master of Orthoptics (University of Technology Sydney - UTS) or Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Orthoptics (La Trobe University). Registration with Australian Orthoptic Board. Orthoptists specialise in the investigation and non-surgical management of disorders of eye movements, vision and binocular vision for both paediatrics and adults. Orthoptists also perform diagnostic procedures relating to eye diseases and the visual system. Paediatric vision screening, low vision services and stroke and brain injury rehabilitation are also roles of the orthoptists.

What does an Orthoptist do?

• Strabismus - diagnosis and management of amblyopia. Orthoptists supervise occlusion (patching) therapy
• Intermittent strabismus - diagnosis and management. Orthoptic exercises to assist control of deviation and stabilise binocular vision
• Eye movement disorder eg. ocular nerve palsies diagnosis and management of symptoms such as diplopia (double vision). Diplopia managed by occlusion therapy or the application of a correction prism
• Asthenopia (ocular discomfort/eye strain) - orthoptic exercises to improve binocular function and relieve symptoms
• Ophthalmic diagnostic procedures such as Ocular Coherence Tomography, a scan, ocular photography of the anterior segment and fundus, visual field assessment and corneal topography
• Refraction - prescription of glasses.

Related links

www.orthoptics.org.au 

www.australianorthopticboard.org.au

For information on how to gain recognition of Allied Health qualifications obtained overseas, please contact the relevant professional association as per web links above.