Allied Health

Frequently asked questions

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• What’s the difference between an orthoptist and optometrist? arrow_forward_ios

  Orthoptists are clinicians who specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and non-surgical treatment, management, and rehabilitation of patients with eye disorders.

  While orthoptists can prescribe glasses, they primarily do this for therapeutic purposes and use non-surgical approaches for management of eye conditions. 

• Where do Orthoptists work? Are they front line health care providers? arrow_forward_ios

  Orthoptists can work as front-line health care providers depending on the setting in which they operate. Orthoptists work in many areas including neonatal care, paediatrics, rehabilitation, geriatrics, neurological impairment, community services and ophthalmic technology. A day in the life of an orthoptist can be quite varied.  

• How different are the subjects between Orthoptics and Vision Science/Optometry? arrow_forward_ios

  Vision Science subjects are taught at an undergraduate level, while the subjects in the Master of Orthoptics are taught at postgraduate level and have higher intellectual and academic requirements. 

  Undergraduate Vision Science subjects can’t be awarded credit towards a master’s level Orthoptics course. 

• Can an orthoptist open their own private practice? arrow_forward_ios

  Orthoptists can open their own private practices, however due to the nature of their work, it is recommended that they first build a network of potential referrers.