Orthoptics

Orthoptics refers to the diagnosis and treatment of defective eye movements and co-ordination of the eyes. A physician who specialises in orthoptics is known as an orthoptist, and they may work alongside ophthalmologists, optometrists and other eye care professionals. Orthoptists have several different types of therapy they apply depending on the condition, severity and other surrounding influences.

Orthoptics assesses, diagnoses and treats eye conditions from muscle imbalances to refractive errors, vergence and pathological conditions. Orthoptists are skilled in a number of treatments and therapies for the above conditions and more, and primarily treatment involves:

• Corrective Lenses
• Eye Patches
• Surgery
• Vision Therapy

Eye exercises are a common part of visual therapy that orthoptists prescribe, and this can include near-point convergence exercises, base-out prism reading and various computerised training programs. Most eye exercises orthoptists prescribe are related to strabismic-related vision therapy and not behavioural optometry.

Orthoptics also makes use of a range of corrective lenses, such as convex and concave lenses, as a form of therapy, and they may also assist or perform surgery. Often, an orthoptist provides that next level of care when the knowledge or equipment of a regular optometrist fails to satisfactorily care for the patient.

If you need to find an orthoptists near your local area, check out the online directory at physicians.com.au. View the online profiles to find out relevant details such as locations and phone numbers, and call today to book an appointment with a specialist physician in the field of orthoptics.