Orthoptists work in many areas, including:

•  ophthalmic technology and assistance
•  paediatrics
•  rehabilitation
•  community services
•  neurological impairment
•  neonatal care and 
•  geriatrics

Early detection of eye defects is the best protection against loss of vision.

In any health screening program for children, the most common problem detected is amblyopia (lazy eye/poor vision), usually of one eye only, and which often goes unnoticed by parents and teachers.  Amblyopia is most often caused by an eye turn (strabismus), the need to wear glasses, or pathology of the eye that develops at or soon after birth.  Approximately 4% of the population has a strabismus, which may or not be obvious to the untrained observer. 

An orthoptist has special expertise in examining young children and the depth of knowledge of normal visual development, both motor and sensory, to confirm the presence of a strabismus.  If amblyopia is not treated early on, the impact will be permanent.  Where amblyopia has been present since childhood, any change in adulthood to the unaffected eye, such as injury, cataract or degeneration, may decrease vision to such an extent that an independent lifestyle is compromised.

Orthoptic research has indicated that ...

• visual rehabilitation programmes for drivers may be introduced following stroke or head injury to assist in the ability to maintain a driver's licence;
• a person may be assisted to drive more comfortably and safely following orthoptic assessment, with suggestions of how the vehicle may be adapted to suit a person’s visual or ocular status;
• children with ADHD have a higher incidence of reduced convergence/poor near eye coordination;
• visual display units (VDU) do not damage your eyes however, if using a VDU, a 10 minute break should be taken every hour;
• a Sydney orthoptist, in collaboration with a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist, has devised a new method of assessing vision in children with multiple disabilities;
• 55-85% of children with multiple disabilities have a vision impairment;
• a person with a central vision loss may be retrained so that objects positioned straight ahead may be appreciated;
• orthoptic intervention can help people with low vision remain safely and independently at home.

Orthoptics is an allied health profession concerned with visual functions and eye movement disorders.  Orthoptic treatment of certain conditions can relieve visual symptoms and enhance visual performance.

Orthoptic vision screening can help save a child's sight. 

For further information regarding Orthoptics or ORTHOPTIC AWARENESS WEEK, please contact the OAA Office

Future Dates (to be confirmed)
2010 :  8-12 March
2011 :  7-11 March