Orthoptists diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated sensory deficiencies.

Skill Level

1

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Orthoptist is Vocational & Education Training Assessment (VETASSESS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Qualification assessed at Australian Bachelor degree or higher in a highly relevant field of study AND at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level in the last five years
• Applicants must meet both the qualification and employment requirements to obtain a positive skills assessment
• Note: Optometry and Ophthalmology are not considered highly relevant to the occupation of Orthoptist

Perform eye examinations and vision tests, prescribe lenses, other optical aids and therapy, and diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated sensory problems.

Tasks

• Examining patients’ eyes and setting tests to determine the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities
• Assessing ocular health and visual function by measuring visual acuity and refractive error, and testing the function of visual pathways, visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure, and performing other tests using special eye test equipment
• Detecting, diagnosing and managing eye disease, referring patients to, and receiving referrals from other health providers, and prescribing medications for the treatment of eye disease
• Diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects of binocular function
• Prescribing lenses, contact lenses and low vision aids, and checking suitability and comfort
• Prescribing exercises to coordinate movement and focusing of eyes
• Managing programs for eye movement disorders, and instructing and counselling patients in the use of corrective techniques and eye exercises
• Advising on visual health matters such as contact lens care, vision care for the elderly, optics, visual ergonomics, and occupational and industrial eye safety
• Conducting preventative screening programs
• Conducting rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired

Skill Level

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupations in this Group

• 251411 Optometrist
• 251412 Orthoptist