What does an orthoptist do?
The orthoptist is a paramedical professional who examines the eyes of patients, who may be adults or children. They determine how the eyes are positioned with respect to each other, and how they work with each other.
What are the different roles of an orthoptist?
According to Claudine Presset, chief orthoptist at the Jules-Gonin Ophthalmic Hospital, an orthoptist has different roles to play in the child’s vision:
- They examine vision and how the muscles work to check if there are any limitations.
- They check whether the eyes have strabismus, that is to say whether one eye is deviated from the other.
- They are able to detect amblyopia in children.
- This makes it possible to detect and correct learning disorders.
- They also examine the coordination between the two eyes, to check whether the two eyes function well, and whether they merge properly.
- They check that the child is able to see 3D surfaces.
- They carry out exploratory examinations such as evaluation of the visual field, photos of the back of the eye, and measurement of intraocular pressure.
What happens in an appointment with an orthoptist?
Generally, the ophthalmologist, paediatrician or treating doctor refer the child to an orthoptist. The consultation begins with an interview with a questionnaire and a visual acuity test. The professional uses various tools and objects to define an orthoptic assessment.
They will then pass on the results to the ophthalmologist with whom they work. This collaboration leads to treatment if necessary. The orthoptic sessions last between 20 minutes and 1 hour. Depending on the diagnosis, it is necessary to plan between 10 and 20 sessions.
For example, the orthoptist will provide the following services:
- They manage the patches that are put on the eye of a patient to make the other eye work.
- They will also place prisms on the glasses of patients with double vision, in order to help them in this period of imbalance between their two eyes.
- They may also have the patient do ocular gymnastics like a physiotherapist.
When should I see an orthoptist?
The sooner screening for visual problems is taken into consideration, the more effective rehabilitation will be. If in doubt, please contact your child’s ophthalmologist, who can refer you to the right specialist.
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an orthoptist?
The ophthalmologist is a specialist in the eye. They are able to diagnose vision defects and administer the various prescriptions: glasses with corrective lenses or contact lenses. As some ophthalmologists are also eye surgeons, they can perform operations in the operating room.
The orthoptist works in collaboration with ophthalmologists. They will first detect and then correct the various eye disorders by offering eye rehabilitation.
Do you want to learn more about a particular visual condition? Discover our pages on myopia, glaucoma, hyperopia, or astigmatism. We explain these visual diseases and tell you how to treat them for better visual function in your children.