Orthoptics is an Allied Health Profession (AHP) specialising in the assessment, diagnosis and management of visual development, binocular vision disorders, eye movement abnormalities, and related conditions.
It plays a crucial role in treating conditions related to visual development and coordination, such as strabismus, amblyopia, and other vision impairments. Orthoptists are highly trained professionals who assess and treat these conditions, often working closely with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals.
Orthoptics offers diverse roles that drive the profession forward. Orthoptic Clinical Assistants support patient care, while Academic Lecturers educate and inspire future orthoptists through teaching and research. Heads of Service lead teams to deliver high-quality care and develop services strategically. Orthoptists can specialise in areas of ophthalmology or advance into roles as Advanced Clinical Practitioners. Together, these paths create a dynamic network improving eye health. If you’re considering a career in orthoptics, visit our Careers page to explore the diverse roles within the profession and discover inspiring career journeys through videos and stories.
To help raise the profile of the 14 Allied Health Professions (AHPs), NHS England developed a series of avatars. The British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) took the orthoptic avatar a step further by running a competition to name him—Oxi—and creating a range of fun, engaging resources. Oxi now stars as the main character in our first-of-its-kind orthoptic cartoon. This accessible animation highlights some of what orthoptists do in a clear, engaging way for patients, families, and future professionals.
✨ To find out more about amblyopia and patching visit #WePatch. Here you’ll find practical tips, fun activity ideas, and friendly advice to make patching easier for you and your child.
This section is packed with lots of useful information to help the public learn more about the orthoptic profession. Use the side menu to explore the role of orthoptists, how they work with other eye care experts, the conditions they treat, and what to expect during a visit. You can also discover specialist services within orthoptics, public health information, and the latest research which is driving improvements in orthoptic practice.