Orthoptists diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated sensory deficiencies.
Occupation description
Orthoptists diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated sensory deficiencies.
Occupations not considered suitable under this ANZSCO code:
- Optometrist
- Ophthalmologist
These occupations are classified elsewhere in ANZSCO.
Orthoptist is a VETASSESS Group A occupation
This occupation requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the educational level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher, in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.
Applicants must also have at least one year of highly relevant, post-qualification employment, at an appropriate skill level completed in the last five years.
A positive assessment of both qualifications and employment is required for a positive Skills Assessment Outcome.
* Additional qualifications in a highly relevant field of study include those comparable to the following levels:
- AQF Diploma
- AQF Advanced Diploma
- AQF Associate Degree or
- AQF Graduate Diploma
** Highly relevant paid employment duration (20 hours or more per week):
one year of post-qualification paid employment (20 hours or more per week) highly relevant to the nominated occupation, at an appropriate skill level in the last five years before the date of application for a Skills Assessment.
Qualification and Employment Criteria
AQF Bachelor degree or higher degree*
This occupation requires a qualification in Orthoptics.
Optometry and Ophthalmology are considered as not highly relevant to the occupation of Orthoptist.
* This includes qualifications assessed at AQF Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level.
Employment
Highly relevant tasks include:
- Assessing ocular health and visual function by measuring visual acuity and refractive error, and testing the function of visual pathways, visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure, and performing other tests using special eye test equipment;
- Diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects of binocular function;
- Prescribing exercises to coordinate movement and focusing of eyes;
- Managing programs for eye movement disorders, and instructing and counselling patients in the use of corrective techniques and eye exercises;
- Conducting preventative screening programs;
- Conducting rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired.
Employment information
Orthoptists are university-trained, allied health care practitioners who specialise in disorders of eye movements and diagnostic procedures related to disorders of the eye and visual system. Orthoptists offer assessment and management of various ocular and vision disorders. Orthoptists work in a range of settings, including hospitals, private practices, low vision and rehabilitation settings, community health areas, clinical research centres, universities and within the ophthalmic sales industry. Ophthalmologist cannot be considered under this occupation as it is classified as ANZSCO code 253914 Ophthalmologist.
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