Orthoptics Overview

An orthoptist specialises in diagnosing and managing a range of eye conditions that affect eye movement and visual development.

Understanding the eye and the role of the brain in visual experience are key to Orthoptic work. Orthoptics is suited to individuals interested in science and health care.

Orthoptists treat patients of all ages. Their caseload is extremely varied. Most of their work with babies and children involves amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes/squint). They also specialise in neurological episodes that cause an eye muscle/nerve weakness, resulting in double vision.

Orthoptists work in a multidisciplinary team. They usually work as part of a hospital team, but may also work in community healthcare and schools, including special schools.

As an orthoptist, you’ll need to:

• assess, interpret and diagnose eye position and eye movement disorders

• asses and interpret a patient’s visual development

• investigate causes of vision and visual field loss

• formulate a treatment plan, which might include prescribing an eye patch, eye exercises or the use of prisms

• manage medicines

• refer patients for further tests or investigations

• monitor patients’ treatment and condition

• undertake general administrative duties relating to patient care

• contribute to service improvement and audit

• be aware of public health initiative

Please ‘see also’ a poster on who Orthoptists see and how they can help.

Download below the Orthoptics Career Profile from the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) for more detailed information.