Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health

Description

An orthoptist is a healthcare professional who is trained to diagnose and treat people with vision and eye movement disorders. They may prescribe glasses or recommend eye exercises or other techniques.

Orthoptists evaluate and treat conditions such as strabismus (squint or crossed eye), amblyopia (lazy eye) and double vision. They can also care for people with eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, eye disease caused by diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, neurological vision disorders and low vision.

Services provided

  • Diagnosis and treatment
  • Eye care
  • Information and advice
  • Prescription of glasses

Eligibility

Appointments can be made directly without a referral.

Your doctor or other health professional may also refer you to an orthoptist.

How to access

To find an orthoptist, contact the Australian Orthoptic Board:

Costs

The cost of orthoptic services varies depending on the treatment. Contact the clinic before you attend if you are unsure of the cost.

Medicare
Medicare covers orthoptic fees for individuals who are eligible.

Private health funds
Orthoptic fees are covered by some private health funds but your coverage will depend on your insurance policy.

Profile

Sector

Conventional healthcare – allied health

Regulation

Industry self-regulated

Registration

Optional registration through Australian Orthoptic Board

Minimum qualifications

Master of Orthoptics

Tip

Important

  • Orthoptists do not perform surgical procedures (these are carried out by ophthalmologists).
  • Orthoptists are trained to use specialised instruments to detect and measure the progress of eye disease in people.
  • Orthoptists do not need to be registered, but those working in public hospitals, some private ophthalmology clinics and specialist eye rehabilitation clinics are required to be registered with the Australian Orthoptic Board.