Quick Quiz: What's an ORTHOPTIST
Nick Jones
with a trivia question. What is an ORTHOPTIST?
Neatest correct answer wins nothing, but as an orthoptist I would
be willing to discuss anything that falls into my area (once it is
revealed what it is)
Could anyone directly involved in this field (ophthalms,optoms) please
hold off in answering for a few days, as I would be interested in
gauging the response by lay people?
Nick Jones, B. Orth (hons), MOAA
Raymond A. Chamberlin
>I've just stumbled across this group and I thought I'd introduce myself
>with a trivia question. What is an ORTHOPTIST?
>
>
Someone who repairs ornithopters? One who gives the best right
answer? No, an Australian version of an ophthalmic chiropractor.
Ray
Raymond A. Chamberlin
Raymond A. Chamberlin
Raymond A. Chamberlin
Nick Jones
Proposed definitions included:
- someone who examines aerial satellite photos
- someone who designs and inserts prosthetic eyes (very popular)
- something to do with birds
etc
Some of the closer answers included:
- someone who supervises vision training
- someone who teaches eye exercises (groan)
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My Definition
Orthoptist: a health professional concerned with eye movement and
visual function.
Orthoptics derives from the Greek word 'orthos' meaning straight and
'optics' meaning pertaining to sight or the eye.
Orthoptics as a profession has existed for about 50 years. At that time
orthoptists were generally the daughters or receptionists of ophthalmologists
who were employed to help in the time-consuming exercises dispensed to patients
with turned eyes.
Currently these exercises are not used as frequently and orthoptists
are usually more involved in the assessment and diagnosis
of ocular movement disorders. Orthoptists also offer aid in alleviating
symptoms of ocular movement disorders with the use of prisms, occlusion
and exercises.
I'd like to point out that the type of exercises advocated by orthoptists
have nothing to do with the Bates' style of vision-enhancing exercises.
Our exercises are aimed at increasing the ability of the extra ocular
muscles to overcome deviation of the eyes. Recently, this has been
shown to be particularly effective, especially when prisms of
increasing strength are used.
Orthoptists are also frequently involved in rehabilitation. This may
involve teaching a stroke survivor how to reduce their mobility
problems caused by an absence of vision to one side or enabling a
person with age related macula degeneration to use the intact part of
their retina.
In Australia, orthoptists are found in the outpatient departments of
public hospitals, in private practice, working in collaboration with
ophthalmologists in private practice, in rehabilitation centres and
in community vision screening programs.
I hope I have enlightened those who were curious about my occupation.
If anyone would like more information or would like to discuss what they
feel the role for orthoptists should be, I would be pleased to hear
from them.
Nick Jones
Raymond A. Chamberlin
>
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>
>If anyone would like more information or would like to discuss what they
>feel the role for orthoptists should be, I would be pleased to hear
>from them.
To "straighten" out optometrists and ophthalmologists?