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Orthoptists diagnose and treat problems of the eye,

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especially those related to eye movement

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and how the eyes work together to focus, known as binocularity.

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Patients of any age may come to see an orthoptist,

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but most of their patients are children

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due to the developmental nature of many binocular disorders.

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Orthoptists perform diagnostic tests and measurements of color vision,

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visual acuity, and the pace of motor development related to vision development.

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After interpreting test results, orthoptists may refer patients to ophthalmic surgeons

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and other physicians or they may perform nonsurgical interventions

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such as corrective lenses, patches, drops, exercises, and more.

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The majority of orthoptists work full time.

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They practice in hospitals, clinics, private offices,

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and medical facilities attached to universities

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as well as visiting schools to administer testing.

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Some orthoptists teach or conduct clinical research.

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Orthoptists must complete a 2-year training fellowship

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after earning a bachelor’s degree, usually with a science or health care major.

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Typically, orthoptist students evaluate at least 1500 patients

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as part of their clinical studies.

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After completing training, they must pass a certifying examination

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given by the American Association of Certified Orthoptists.