What's the difference between an Orthoptist and an Optometrist?
Optometrists and Orthoptists are both Allied Heath Providers who are involved in eye health. The main differences are where they work and what their specialties are.
An Optometrist specialises in the treatment and management of refractive issues, that is, glasses prescriptions. They are also usually the first point of call when detecting eye diseases (glaucoma, macular degeneration etc). Some Optometrist co-manage eye diseases along side specialists (Ophthalmologists), and can prescribe therapeutic eye drops. You'll find most Optometrists working in their own independant practices.
An Orthoptist specialises in the diagnosis and management of Binocular Vision Problems, that is , issues that affect the teaming of the eyes, eye posture/eye turns, eye focus and eye tracking. Orthoptists also work closely with Ophthalmologists in managing patients with an array of eye conditions. You'll find most Orthoptists working in hospitals and in private ophthalmic clinics.