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Welcome to the British and Irish Orthoptic Society

Want to find out about orthoptics?

An orthoptist wanting keep up to date with news, research, events and developments?

An orthoptist & not in BIOS?

The more of us who stand together to share knowledge and promote the profession, the stronger we will be. Please visit our Why Join BIOS? section for full details of membership benefits and how to join our vibrant online community, branch network, and special interest groups.

BIOS and Orthoptics

Orthoptics is a small profession (fewer than 2,000 members in the British Isles), regulated in the UK by the Health Professions Council. Its all-graduate workforce is fed by two universities, Liverpool and Sheffield (and from 2012, Glasgow Caledonian University), supplying the needs of all four UK countries and the Republic of Ireland. BIOS members also work in many other countries.

BIOS is a professional body and (in the UK) a trade union, representing members at national and local levels. Learn more about BIOS and its aims in our About BIOS section.

Thinking of becoming an orthoptist?

Want to find out more about becoming part of this small but essential profession? Please visit our Careers in Orthoptics section.

Seeing an orthoptist?

Do you need more information on conditions of the eye and how orthoptists may be able to help you? Please visit our Information for Patients section.

News

World Orthoptic Day - A Tweeting Success in the UK!

05 June 2013 6:38 AM • Anonymous

Changes to NHS mileage rates

23 May 2013 5:48 PM • Anonymous

HCPC Francis Event 9th May 2013

19 May 2013 12:01 PM • Anonymous

What do orthoptists do?

We diagnose and manage disorders of binocular vision and mainly work in the NHS. We assess and manage patients of all ages and work in various settings - independently and in multidisciplinary teams - and the work includes:

Assessing babies and small children for defects of vision including children with special needs
Treating adults with double vision associated with other conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, neurological conditions e.g. multiple sclerosis
Ensuring speedy rehabilitation of patients who have suffered stroke and acquired brain injuries and have vision problems
Diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma - a long term eye condition
Assessing patients before and after surgery for cataracts as well as visually impaired patients for low vision aids

Orthoptists are ideally placed to ensure effective services for patients. Our versatility provides exceptional value for money as part of the eye healthcare team.