Orthoptist
What is an Orthoptist?
Orthoptists are allied health care professionals who specialise in the assessment of visual function, particularly in children, diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together. Orthoptists are experts in understanding why and how neurological defects affect how we see.
Orthoptists commonly work with patients in a hospital setting as part of a wider multi professional team but can work in educational or social care teams in community settings. They help patients to manage the visual symptoms of their condition and provide advice for the visual and general rehabilitation of these patients.
Orthoptists are qualified with a substantial core body of knowledge and expertise. However, their role has grown and many continue to train and study to gain an even wider knowledge base. This enables them to perform much more specialist, advanced or extended roles in clinics including:
- Stroke and brain injury
- Glaucoma
- Medical retina
- Visual processing disorders
- Low vision
- Neurological conditions
- Special educational needs
Orthoptists are registered professionals monitored by the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and are one of the 14 professions known as the Allied Health professions (AHPs).