Orthoptics is a well recognised and established allied health profession. The practice of orthoptics commenced in London in 1920 and the first hospital clinic opened at the Royal Westminster Hospital in 1928. Australia followed soon after establishing its first clinic at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne in 1931.

In September 1944 the professional association, the Orthoptic Association of Australia (OAA) was formed with a primary aim of the education of members and maintenance of professional practice standards. This was the third orthoptic association after Great Britain and the United States of America to be inaugurated and in 1986 the OAA was incorporated under the NSW Associations Act (1984). Each Australian state now has its own branch of the OAA with rules and regulations which complement those of the Federal Body. In 1967 the International Orthoptic Association (IOA) was established and the OAA was a founding nation member.

Orthoptic education in Australia is currently undertaken in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney and at the La Trobe University, Melbourne. Thus the education standards for our profession are amongst the highest in the world with Australia being the first country to offer a degree course in Orthoptics. Both Sydney and La Trobe Universities also offer Honours, Masters and PhD research degrees. Graduates from either of the above mentioned courses are eligible for membership of the orthoptic professional body, the OAA Inc. This membership carries with it automatic recognition by the private health benefit organisations throughout Australia.