An orthoptist is specialized in re-education, and is often the last chance when surgery and spectacles do not work. So it is essential for you to select the right specialist for you. That is why MeditSimple is here to guide you.
How can an orthoptist help you?
Orthoptics could be considered as the physiotherapy of the eye. The orthoptist is specialised in rehabilitation, screening, and readjustment. Most of the time, your ophthalmologist is the one who will refer you to an orthoptist.
Choosing the right orthoptist is important as, often, orthoptists’ sessions are the last resort when spectacles or surgical intervention are not enough. They provide treatments as eye patches, glasses or exercices to correct eye problems. For example, they are able to assess the vision of babies with special needs, or to asses patients during the process cataract’s surgery.
What is an orthoptist’s background?
In the United Kingdom, an orthoptist must take a 3 years’ course in one of the two training centres in England (one in Liverpool and the other one at Sheffield University). Once the student has graduated, he has to register with HCPC, a body listing all orthoptists in the country. Please note that if the orthoptist graduated in a recognised European country, he can be registered in the UK as well and do his job.
