An orthoptist is a highly trained healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing and managing disorders of eye movements and binocular vision. Orthoptists work closely with ophthalmologists, paediatricians, neurologists, and other healthcare providers to assess and treat conditions such as strabismus (commonly known as crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and double vision.

They use a range of non-surgical techniques to assess and treat patients. This may include prescribing glasses, particularly when correcting a refractive error can help manage conditions like strabismus or amblyopia, as well as providing vision therapy exercises, using eye patches for amblyopia, or prescribing prisms to help align vision. Orthoptists perform detailed assessments of eye coordination, eye movements, and overall visual function to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.

Although orthoptists do not perform surgery themselves, they work in close collaboration with ophthalmologists and play a key role in measuring and monitoring eye alignment both before and after strabismus (squint) surgery. Their expertise helps guide treatment decisions and evaluate surgical outcomes.

Orthoptists are essential in delivering non-invasive, tailored treatment options that support patients in achieving the best possible visual function and improving their overall quality of life.

What Happens During the Appointment?

Orthoptic assessments are child-friendly, calm, and engaging. The orthoptist will assess how your child’s eyes are functioning and check for any concerns with vision, eye alignment, or movement.

The orthoptist may:

• Discuss your child’s visual history and any concerns (e.g. eye turning, squint, difficulty seeing)
• Test each eye separately to measure visual acuity
• Check eye movements and how well the eyes work together (binocular vision)
• Look for strabismus or amblyopia
• Use age-appropriate tools and games to keep the session engaging
• Assess for double vision in older children

If needed, the orthoptist may:

• Prescribe glasses to correct vision and support treatment
• Recommend a cycloplegic refraction, using dilating drops to get an accurate glasses prescription
• Suggest patching therapy or other amblyopia treatment
• Perform pre- or post-operative measurements if strabismus surgery is being considered

How to Prepare for the Appointment

• Bring your child’s current glasses
• Feel free to bring a favourite toy or comfort item to help hem feel at ease
• If dilating drops are planned, bring sunglasses or a cap, as your child’s eyes may be sensitive to light for a few hours

Appointments typically last 20–30 minutes, and parents/carers are welcome and encouraged to stay with their child.