Orthoptist

An orthoptist is a regulated allied health professional specialising in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of binocular vision, ocular motility and visual function. They treat strabismus (squint), amblyopia (lazy eye), diplopia (double vision) and convergence disorders. Orthoptists work closely with ophthalmologists and may work independently for visual screening and rehabilitation.

• ✓Strabismus in children: early screening and amblyopia (lazy eye) treatment before ages 7-8
• ✓Diplopia (double vision): assessment and rehabilitation of ocular motility
• ✓Visual fatigue, end-of-day headaches related to reading or screens
• ✓Convergence disorders and convergence insufficiency
• ✓Post-surgical follow-up (strabismus, cataract) for functional rehabilitation
• ✓Neuro-visual disorders following stroke or head injury

Orthoptists are a regulated profession. Verify: a recognised degree in orthoptics (typically 3 years of undergraduate study), registration with the national regulatory body (e.g. Health and Care Professions Council in the UK, state registration in Israel if applicable), specific experience in paediatric orthoptics if consulting for a child (amblyopia treatment is most effective before age 7-8), and expertise in prism management and binocular vision rehabilitation for adults with diplopia.