What is an Orthoptist?

Sep 8
4 min read

At In-Sight Vision Therapy, orthoptists are the backbone of the care we provide - specialists in helping your eyes work better together, so you or your loved one can see more clearly, comfortably, and confidently.

A Specialist in Eye Teamwork

Orthoptists focus on how your eyes work together as a pair, and just as importantly, how they connect with the brain to create clear, comfortable vision. It’s not only about whether each eye can see clearly—it’s about whether they are sending the right signals to the brain, at the right time, in the right way. When this system is out of sync, it can lead to eye strain, fatigue, double vision, or difficulties with reading and learning. Put simply, orthoptists make sure your eyes and brain are working in harmony, so that vision feels natural, reliable, and effortless in everyday life.

What Orthoptists Do

Orthoptists play a hands-on role in assessing, managing, and improving vision—particularly where eye teamwork, focus, or movement is affected. Their work is highly practical and tailored to the individual.

Assessment & Diagnosis

Orthoptists use a variety of clinical tests to see how your eyes are working together. This can include cover tests for eye alignment, eye movement tracking, depth and 3D perception testing, and reading-based assessments to identify fatigue or difficulty. They look beyond “how well you can see” to “how well your eyes function together”—something that standard eye charts don’t always capture.

Vision Therapy & Exercises

Much of an orthoptist’s role is designing and guiding vision therapy programs. These programs are not “one size fits all”—they are carefully built around the needs of each person. Exercises may train eye-tracking, improve focusing flexibility, or strengthen the connection between the eyes and the brain. For children, this can make reading and classroom learning easier. For adults, therapy can reduce eye strain at work or help rebuild function after injury.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Management

Orthoptists are key in supporting children with amblyopia. Treatment may include patching therapy—where the stronger eye is covered for a period of time to encourage the weaker eye to work harder—or using blurred lenses, filters, or targeted exercises. Early, guided management can significantly improve long-term vision outcomes.

Strabismus (Eye Turn) Support

When one eye turns in, out, up, or down, it can cause double vision or affect depth perception. Orthoptists assess the type and severity of the turn, and may use therapy, prisms, or specific strategies to reduce symptoms. While surgery can sometimes be required, orthoptists often provide essential pre- and post-surgical care, ensuring the best functional outcome.

Double Vision & Prism Lenses

For people experiencing double vision—often due to neurological changes, eye muscle weakness, or fatigue—orthoptists may prescribe prism lenses to bring the images together, or guide therapy that retrains the eyes to align more effectively.

Neurological & Rehabilitation Support

Orthoptists regularly assist people recovering from brain injuries, stroke, or concussion. They help restore comfortable, functional vision through exercises, adaptations, and strategies tailored to daily life—whether that’s returning to reading, driving, or work.

Collaboration with Other Eye Care Professionals

Orthoptists don’t work in isolation. They often collaborate with optometrists and ophthalmologists to ensure patients receive holistic care. This might mean co-managing a complex case, providing therapy alongside glasses or surgery, or monitoring progress as part of a broader treatment plan.

Qualifications & Expertise

Orthoptists undergo rigorous training:

An undergraduate degree in orthoptics, paired with extensive clinical placements.
In Australia, credentials typically include a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics, along with professional registration.
Many pursue continuing education, ensuring they remain at the forefront of vision therapy and rehabilitation care.

Why Orthoptists Shine at In-Sight Vision Therapy

At In-Sight Vision Therapy in Perth, our orthoptist-led approach is uniquely personal and mobile. Here’s how we stand out:

Tailored care: Every therapy program—whether for a child learning to read or an adult experiencing visual fatigue—is individually designed to meet real-life challenges.
Compassionate expertise: Backed by over 12 years of clinical experience, and guided by values of respect, integrity, and excellence, our services prioritize your goals and adapt to your environment—school, home, workplace, or community.
Telehealth support: We understand that not everyone can attend in person, which is why we also provide telehealth vision therapy. This allows families and individuals to access professional support from home, making care more flexible and convenient without compromising on outcomes.
Collaboration for your goals: We often work in partnership with optometrists and ophthalmologists to ensure you receive the most comprehensive, effective care possible.
Testimonials that speak volumes:

“I can trust my baby is in good hands… we have seen a massive improvement…” “Jemila goes above and Beyond… outstanding work.”