Definition
Orthoptists are eye care professionals who are university trained in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of vision and eye disorders. Orthoptists work with people from all age groups and are integral members of the eye health care team.
Skill-set
Orthoptists have a particular expertise in:
– Diagnostic testing and clinical investigation of patients with eye diseases such as cataract, macular degeneration, diabetes and glaucoma (which are the most common causes of blindness in our community).
– Clinical assessment and non-surgical management of eye misalignment and eye movement disorders.
– Assessment and rehabilitation of patients with low vision.
– Visual rehabilitation for stroke patients who have lesions that affect the visual centre of the brain.
– Vision screening and detection of vision problems in the pre-school population enabling early intervention and prevention of visual disability.
Places of work
– Orthoptists predominately work in specialist eye clinics and public hospitals where they monitor eye disease, provide clinical and technical support to ophthalmologists and provide treatment which includes eye exercises and prescribing glasses.
– Rehabilitation and low vision agencies.
– Vision and medical research centres and universities.
– Eye care and pharmaceutical industry providing technical expertise about eye care products as well as the sale and promotion of diagnostic and surgical instrumentation.
Relationship with ophthalmologists
– Orthoptists work alongside and in close collaboration with ophthalmologists in both the private and public sector.
– Relationship is similar to that which exists between radiographers and radiologists.
– Orthoptists may join RANZCO as Associate Members.
– The RANZCO Annual Scientific Congress and the Orthoptics Australia Annual Scientific Conference are held around the same time and at the same venue each year which fosters the professional relationship between orthoptists and ophthalmologists to enhance patient safety and eye care delivery.
Education & Training Centres in Australia
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
La Trobe University: Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Vision Sciences
Undergraduate entry: Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Orthoptics – 4 Years
Graduate entry: Master of Orthoptics – 2 Years
For further information visit http://www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/orthoptics
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES
UTS: Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Orthoptics
Graduate entry: Master of Orthoptics – 2 Years
For further information visit http://orthoptics.uts.edu.au
More information
Orthoptics Australia: https://www.orthoptics.org.au/
Orthoptics Australia (OA) is a national organisation representing members in all states of Australia, as well as members from other countries, including New Zealand, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. OA strives to promote and advance the discipline of orthoptics in public hospitals and ophthalmology practices, and to actively seek and implement career and work benefits and opportunities for its members.
International Orthoptic Association: https://www.internationalorthoptics.org/
Promotes orthoptics worldwide, providing information and support to national bodies and individual orthoptists while helping to maintain and improve standards of education, training and orthoptic practice. The IOA represents orthoptists in more than 22 countries around the world.
This Orthoptics Awareness Week (27 February – 3 March) we reflect on the vital role of orthoptists and the relationship they share with ophthalmologists as part of the eye care team. Alanna Lyndon, an orthoptist based in Hobart, Tasmania tells us about her work.
1. What do orthoptists do?
Orthoptists are university trained, allied health professionals who predominantly assist ophthalmologists by performing tests or measurements, which help them to diagnose and treat people with eye disease. An orthoptist’s role varies depending on the clinic or doctor they work for. Some specialties include paediatrics and eye movement disorders, low vision, refractive treatment or research.
2. How do orthoptists work with ophthalmologists?
In most cases, orthoptists perform the required vision assessment and tests needed prior to the ophthalmologist seeing the patient. Orthoptists also help with patient education, IOL calculations, managing clinic flow and liaising with medical or technical representatives. Traditionally an orthoptist’s role was limited to the non-surgical management of eye movement disorders, however as technology has advanced so too has our role.
3. Why did you choose orthoptics as a profession?
In high school we were encouraged to do work experience. At the time I was thinking about becoming a Physiotherapist. My next-door neighbour was an orthoptist and suggested I attend the eye clinic. I really liked the mix of working with children and the elderly.
4. What does your typical day look like?
Every day is busy! Most of my time is spent doing refractive and orthoptic assessments, field tests and angiograms. Our practice is involved in many research projects, so it is our job to conduct the tests required for this. Other times I assist in LASIK and cataract surgery.
5. What kind of patients do you work with most?
All kinds. Children with strabismus, young adults having LASIK and the elderly with glaucoma and macular degeneration. The variety is what makes the profession interesting.
6. As the theme for this year’s Orthoptics Awareness Week is Orthoptics Australia Wide, how would an orthoptist’s work in Tasmania differ from someone working in Sydney or Melbourne?
A clinic in a rural setting is very different. I’ve recently returned from working in Melbourne and have really noticed the change. The best thing about Tasmania is working alongside other health professionals such as registrars, registered nurses and ophthalmic technicians. In Tasmania I find I need to be a ‘jack of all trades’, being able to perform all tests required by the doctors. On the other hand, the large number of Specialist Doctors in Melbourne allows for orthoptists to focus on specific areas, such as retinal or refractive, and become highly specialised in those areas.
As you set your health and wellness goals for the new year, make sure you don’t forget about looking after your eye health.Take a look at some of our simple tips to ensure that you maintain healthy eyes all year round:
1. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET
A healthy diet offers many health benefits and is essential to keep your eyes healthy. Research shows that eating nutritious foods and maintaining a healthy diet slows the progression of eye diseases and prevents eye complications especially in people who:
• Have a genetic predisposition to macular degeneration
• Suffer from diabetes
• Are older and therefore more susceptible to eye diseases and disorders
So what are the right foods to keep your eyes in check? The American Academy of Ophthalmology has a great guide outlining what you should be eating for healthy eyes here.
2. KEEP ACTIVE
Studies show that having high blood pressure and diabetes can lead to an increased risk of developing eye disease. Maintaining a healthy weight and keeping active has been shown to lower the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure and is good for your general wellbeing. Try to aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise to keep disease at bay!
3. QUIT SMOKING
Smoking can cause damage to the macula and increases your risk of developing macular degeneration – one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia and across the world. The Australian Government estimates that approximately 20,000 Australians suffer from macular degeneration as a result of smoking and around 8,000 of these people are likely to develop legal blindness in both eyes due to smoking.
4. SCHEDULE AN EYE EXAMINATION
Regular eye exams are necessary to maintain good eye health and to keep your overall health in check as they can detect undiagnosed eye conditions and health problems including high blood pressure and diabetes. It is important to remember that some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, are silent in nature and display no symptoms – this can be dangerous for a person waiting to see a change in their vision to make an appointment for an eye examination. Make your eye health a priority and schedule regular eye check-ups today!
5. CHECK THE EXPIRY DATE ON MEDICINE
Check your medicine cabinet and dispose of anything that is old or past its use-by date.
Most medicines slowly deteriorate over time, making them less effective and potentially harmful if consumed or applied. It is important to remember that most eye drops are safe to use for 28 days once opened and should be discarded after this time. Throwing away medicine in your household bin poses a risk to children and pets so make sure you dispose of any unwanted medicine safely by taking it to your local pharmacist who will take care of this for you.
6. THROW OUT OLD MAKEUP
Make sure you throw out old makeup to avoid irritation and infections. It is especially important to discard anything that is applied on or around the eye due to the sensitivity of the area. Mascara should be replaced every three to four months to keep your eyes healthy and safe from eye infections such as sties and conjunctivitis.
7. REDUCE SCREEN TIME
Too much time in front of a computer screen can cause issues to your overall health including your eyes. Staring at a screen for long periods of time can cause fatigue and eye strain and has the potential to damage your eye sight. To prevent eye strain at work, make sure you take regular breaks, look away from your screen approximately every 20 minutes and blink more. For more tips, see here.
While the festive season is a great time to unwind, indulge and celebrate with family and friends, it is also a time when we see an increase in hospital admissions due to eye injuries. So we look at some precautions that you can take to avoid ending up in the emergency ward this holiday period:
1. Learn how to pop open a bottle of champagne safely. Flying corks can pose a significant risk to your eyesight so it doesn’t hurt to brush-up on your bottle opening skills! Need some tips? Check out this article on how to open a bottle safely.
2. Avoid purchasing dangerous or breakable toys for kids, particularly projectile toys that have the potential to cause significant eye injuries. According to a 2014 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 1 in 10 children’s eye injuries treated in the emergency department can be traced back to toys – a good reason to choose toys carefully this Christmas! The American Academy of Ophthalmology has some great tips on what to look out for when buying toys for your little one.
3. Wear protective eyewear and headgear when playing sport. Sports that pose a higher risk of eye injury include cricket, ice and field hockey, lacrosse, golf and fishing – or anything that involves flying objects! While the incidence of sports-related eye injuries is quite low in Australia, children are at most at risk of eye injuries. Research shows that 30% of eye-related sports injuries in children have the potential to cause permanent eye damage or vision loss.
4. Wear sunglasses when you’re out in the sun to prevent sun damage to your eyes. Spending long periods in the sun without eye protection has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer. Ophthalmologists recommend wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection and a hat to prevent sun damage to your eyes. For more tips, see here.
5. Avoid decorating mishaps by looking out for hanging ornaments, Christmas lights and tree branches when decorating your tree or when reaching under the Christmas tree to get presents – all have the potential to cause corneal abrasions and in some extreme cases, perforation.
HOW TO GET TO THE MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (MCEC)
The MCEC is conveniently located along the South Wharf Promenade, within walking distance from the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf and Crown Plaza Melbourne.
For details on how to get to the MCEC by foot, public transport or car, please visit the MCEC website.
GETTING AROUND MELBOURNE
Melbourne has a great transport system with frequent train, tram and bus services operating throughout the day. There is even a Free Tram Zone that will take you around the city’s main attractions.
It is important to remember that if you are travelling outside of the Free Tram Zone, you’ll need a myki card to get around the city. For details on where to purchase myki cards and how to use them, please see here.
For more information on Melbourne’s transport system and to view timetable information, please visit the Public Transport Victoria website.
THE WEATHER
Melbourne is known for its unpredictable weather and having four seasons in one day. While we’re expecting great weather for Congress, it’s a good idea to bring a jacket in case the weather changes throughout the day.
HOW TO TWEET WHILE AT CONGRESS
Congress is great time of year to engage with your peers as well as the wider healthcare community and the public in general. Tweeting is a great way for you to share your thoughts on key issues and events, and also keep track of what other members are doing. We’ve put together a short guide to help you maintain an active social media presence while at Congress:
1. Sign in to your Twitter account or create an account by visiting the Twitter website here
2. Type your Tweet into the box at the top of your Home timeline, or click the Tweet button in the top navigation bar
3. Make sure your update is fewer than 140 characters or else you won’t be able to publish your tweet. Also, make sure to use the Congress Hashtag #RANZCO16 and mention the speaker by using the @ symbol and mentioning their name e.g. @JohnSmith
4. Click the Tweet button to post the Tweet to your profile.
5. You will immediately see your Tweet in the timeline on your homepage.
Read about posting Tweets via the Twitter for Android app here, and via the Twitter for iPhone or iPad app here.
TIP: See how to include photos in your Tweet here, and how to include a video in your Tweet here.
THE 2016 CONGRESS APP IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
Congress is a busy time of year for everyone involved and it can be difficult to keep track of everything that’s going on so we’ve developed an app for you to plan your days and make the most of Congress this year. Some useful things you can do on the RANZCO 2016 app include:
• Schedule the events you want to attend by logging it on My Schedule. All you need to do is click on the * symbol to keep track of the events you want to remember.
• Keep track of all the exhibitors at this year’s Congress. All you need to do is click on the * symbol to bookmark booths you’d like to visit.
• Maps: Access detailed maps to find your way around Congress.
• Events/Sessions: Keep track of all events and sessions at Congress with a complete and up-to-date agenda while you’re on the go. Use the app to see who is presenting, add sessions to your personal schedule, take notes directly in the app or using Evernote and, rate sessions you have attended
• Speakers: Keep informed on who is presenting with links to their bios and events
• Twitter: Keep up to date on the buzz, or add some of your own!
• Alerts: Venue change? Special presentation? Alerts can be pushed right to your device so you won’t miss a thing.
• Downloads: If you’ve downloaded a handout from an exhibitor or a session presentation, you can quickly access them here.
TIP: to get back to your dashboard, simply tap the button in the top left corner of the app and it will lead you back there
Please visit the Apple app store or Google Play to download the Congress app onto your mobile device.
Optometry Workshop
Date: Saturday 19 November 2016
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Room: MR 213
Chair: Stephen Best
Delegate registration fee: $60, register here
CPD: The New Zealand Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board has awarded provisional approval for 3.5 general credits.
About this workshop
The RANZCO Optometry Workshop is open to all optometrists. There is a $60 registration fee and refreshments will be served on arrival and during a 30-minute afternoon tea break. Optometrists will hear from a number of RANZCO Fellows on a range of topics centred around collaborative care, referral pathways and best patient outcomes.
Three RANZCO referral pathways will be showcased; all three referral pathways will be made available to all on the RANZCO website. The workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn more about these referral pathways and ask questions of the Fellows who have been involved in their formulation.
For more information, please visit http://ranzco2016.com.au/gp-and-optometry-workshops/.
In recent weeks, RANZCO has released updated versions of a number of its international development guidelines. Today, RANZCO is releasing its updated Guidelines for Teaching in Developing Countries According to Good Development Practice.
As part of RANZCO ongoing commitment to support the development of ophthalmology in the Asia-Pacific region, RANZCO develops and regularly updates a number of different documents which guide good practice for RANZCO Fellows who are involved with international ophthalmology development projects.
RANZCO’s Guidelines for Teaching in Developing Countries According to Good Development Practice outline RANZCO’s development approach in the context of teaching and assisting in the development of local ophthalmology workforce. RANZCO’s guidelines are in line with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Aid Programme, as well as with international development standards as outlined by the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals. RANZCO’s particular approach to ophthalmology teaching and development follows International ophthalmology standards as outlined by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Vision 2020, and the International Council of Ophthalmology, and follows relevant up-to-date academic literature.
The updated guidelines include a checklist for the assessment of the teaching content of assignments offered to developed-country ophthalmologists who wish to contribute to international ophthalmology/blindness prevention activities in developing countries (pages 3-4). The checklist covers all aspects of teaching ophthalmology in a development context, including recognised role of local health practitioners, commitment to post-training development activities, requirements for a formalised curriculum, language of training, and appropriate briefing at the end of an assignment.
Further international development guidelines have been reviewed and updated and will be released via the RANZCO website over the coming weeks. All development guidelines are available in the Policies section of the RANZCO website here.
For any information regarding RANZCO international development programs and guidelines, please email gvanheerden@ranzcodev.dev.nucleoserver.com.
RANZCO Policy and Programs team
WITH RANZCO’S 48TH ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS AROUND THE CORNER, WE LOOK AT THE TOP FIVE REASONS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THIS YEAR’S MOST EXCITING SCIENTIFIC EVENT:
1. Stay in the loop with the most up to date news and developments in eye healthcare
Congress is a great excuse for you to socialise with your peers and discuss the latest and greatest innovations, techniques and advances in eye healthcare. Our robust scientific program will cover everything from glaucoma, cataract, cornea, uveitis and surgical retina. You can be sure to walk away with some great memories and a wealth of knowledge!
RANZCO Congress 2015, Wellington, New Zealand
2. Attend some fantastic CPD accredited courses and seminars that will help your professional and personal development
This year’s program is jam-packed with practical courses that will help you stay informed and grow your knowledge base on topics like performance management, wellbeing in the workplace, CPR and much, much more. Whatever you’re interested in, there’s bound to be a course or seminar to suit you at this year’s congress!
3. Take the opportunity to speak with industry in the exhibition hall
We have organised a great line-up of sponsors and exhibitors to showcase product advancements and industry trends. Don’t miss out on the inside scoop on new and upcoming products, equipment and technologies!
Exhibition Hall, RANZCO Congress 2015
4. Network with colleagues at social functions
Take the opportunity to get to know your peers better at one of our exciting official social functions, including the Welcome Ceremony and Congress Dinner. We also have a number of fun social activities planned for you to network, engage and learn in a relaxed setting- all while you enjoy some of the world’s best food and wine.
Welcome Reception, RANZCO Congress 2015
5. Celebrate the success and achievements of our hardworking Fellows and Trainees at the Graduation and Awards Ceremony.
Help your peers celebrate the end of their studies by taking part in the Graduation and Awards Ceremony. The Graduation Ceremony is a great opportunity for experienced Fellows to mingle and share industry knowledge with new graduates.
Graduation and Awards Ceremony, RANZCO Congress 2015
RANZCO is proud to have taken part in the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) 10th General Assembly (10GA). With this year’s theme ‘Stronger Together’, RANZCO delegates have been working hard with the wider eye health community to tackle blindness and visual impairment on a global scale. The program was jam-packed with some exciting developments in eye healthcare, advocacy and technologies. We’ve covered some of the highlights from Durban below:
Day 1: A very informative session with Dr Allen Foster and Clare Gilbert discussing the principles and guidelines on controlling diabetic retinopathy.
Day 2: Professor GVS Murthy presenting a great session on effective advocacy for diabetic retinopathy. Dr Murthy has been involved in setting up the South Asia Centre for Disability Inclusive Development and Research in Hyderabad, India. He provided some great insights into new ways of looking at advocacy, changing attitudes and changing behaviour.
The RANZCO booth in the exhibition space at IAPB’s 10th General Assembly (10GA) in Durban, South Africa.
RANZCO Fellow Dr Shenton Chew spoke to Radio New Zealand about growing wait lists fro eye appointments in New Zealand.
Click here to listen to the podcast.
