Orthoptists

Find information regarding orthoptists under this Yellow Pages® heading. Orthoptics is an allied health profession specialising in the diagnosis and management of disorders of eye movements and associated vision problems, performance of procedures appropriate to eye disorders, and rehabilitation of patients with vision loss. Orthoptists provide investigative testing of diseases such as glaucoma, assessment and management of eye movement disorders (for example, following a head injury), and rehabilitation of persons with sight loss from eye diseases. Orthoptic treatment of certain conditions can relieve visual symptoms and enhance visual performance.

The practice of orthoptics has evolved beyond the realm of orthoptic exercises. Orthoptists employed around the world now spend the majority of their day assessing, diagnosing and managing patients with eye muscle disorders. Orthoptists are found in hospitals, private practices, low vision and rehabilitation clinics, and research centres. Orthoptists work closely with ophthalmologists to ensure that patients with eye muscle disorders are exposed to a full range of treatment options. These additional options include optical, medical and surgical treatment. Orthoptists also work with people with people suffering from Visual Dyslexia. There are examination and treatment techniques that are not invasive that can potentially cured a person of Dyslexia for life. The work in the clinic is supported an orthoptist with simple eye exercises and remedial school work – spelling, learning tables, training visual memory and writing and drawing.

Orthoptists work in many areas including neonatal care, paediatrics, rehabilitation, geriatrics, neurological impairment, community services, and ophthalmic technology. Orthoptists are involved in the diagnosis and management of eye movement disorders including strabismus and amblyopia, the screening, investigation and monitoring of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, and the assessment of functional vision for the development of rehabilitation programs. Orthoptists also work in close cooperation with paediatricians, and sometimes neurologists.