A visit to the orthoptist
A visit to the orthoptist
Orthoptists are healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing and managing problems with eye movement, visual development, and how the eyes work together as a pair.
They work with both children and adults and are often based in hospital eye clinics, working closely with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other allied health professionals (AHPs).
Common reasons you may be referred to an orthoptist include concerns about a squint or a ‘turn in an eye’ (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia, where vision is weaker in one eye), double vision (diplopia), and difficulties related to eye coordination. Learn more about these conditions on our page on common orthoptic conditions.
What to expect at your appointment
Orthoptic appointments are usually straightforward and pain-free. Most tests are simple and non-invasive.
Depending on the reason for your visit, your appointment may include:
- A discussion about your vision and symptoms
- Checking how well each eye sees
- Testing how the eyes move and work together
- Looking for a squint (eye misalignment)
- Checking glasses prescriptions and how they affect visual development or eye alignment
- Simple tracking assessments to a light or other targets
- You may be given eye drops to blur your vision (this will prevent you from driving – make sure you have alternative transport arranged)
For children, many of the tests are designed to feel like games or picture activities to make the experience more comfortable and engaging.
Before your visit
To help your appointment go smoothly, it can be useful to:
- Bring your current glasses (if you wear them)
- Note down any symptoms or concerns you have noticed
- Bring a list of current medications (if applicable)
- Allow extra time for your visit, especially for a first appointment
If your child is attending, it can help to explain beforehand that the orthoptist will be doing “eye games” to see how their eyes work together.
Helping children feel prepared
Children often feel more relaxed when they know what to expect. See below for our ‘Super Eyes’ cartoon, which has been created to help explain orthoptic assessments in a fun and child-friendly way.
It can be a helpful way to introduce what an orthoptist does and what will happen during an orthoptic appointment, helping reduce any anxiety before attending the clinic.
Watch Super Eyes below for more information about visiting the orthoptist.
Meet Olivia and Oxi the Orthoptist in the first-ever orthoptic cartoon!
Also, check out our patching social story, featuring clips from the cartoon, which is a useful prompt to talk children through what to expect when visiting an orthoptist.
During your appointment
You may be seen by an orthoptist alone or as part of a wider eye clinic team.
The orthoptist will explain each test as they go along. Most assessments involve looking at lights, pictures, or letters while the orthoptist observes eye movement and alignment.
If treatment is needed, this may include:
- Glasses
- Eye exercises
- Prisms to help alleviate double vision
- Patching treatment (for amblyopia)
- Monitoring over time
- Advice and reassurance
- Referral for further medical assessment or surgery (in some cases)
After your appointment, you will usually receive a summary of the plan or be given advice to take away.
Guides and storyboards
Below are a series of guides that talk you through a typical visit to an orthoptist.