Orthoptists

• Evaluate, diagnose, or treat disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision or abnormal eye movements.
• Perform diagnostic tests or measurements, such as motor testing, visual acuity testing, lensometry, retinoscopy, and color vision testing.
• Develop nonsurgical treatment plans for patients with conditions such as strabismus, nystagmus, and other visual disorders.
• Provide instructions to patients or family members concerning diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Provide nonsurgical interventions, including corrective lenses, patches, drops, fusion exercises, or stereograms, to treat conditions such as strabismus, heterophoria, and convergence insufficiency.
• Develop or use special test and communication techniques to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of children or disabled patients.
• Interpret clinical or diagnostic test results.
• Refer patients to ophthalmic surgeons or other physicians.
• Provide training related to clinical methods or orthoptics to students, resident physicians, or other health professionals.
• Prepare diagnostic or treatment reports for other medical practitioners or therapists.
• Collaborate with ophthalmologists, optometrists, or other specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, or management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases.
• Assist ophthalmologists in diagnostic ophthalmic procedures, such as ultrasonography, fundus photography, and tonometry.
• Perform vision screening of children in schools or community health centers.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Orthoptists.

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Orthoptists.