What role does an orthoptist primarily serve in the field of eye care?

The primary role of an orthoptist in the field of eye care is centered around measuring and evaluating eye movements and their coordination. Orthoptists specialize in the assessment and management of binocular vision and ocular motility disorders. This includes identifying issues such as strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) and working closely with ophthalmologists to provide comprehensive care for patients with vision problems.

By focusing on the measurement of eye movement, orthoptists can help develop treatment plans that may include vision therapy or other non-surgical methods to improve visual function. Their expertise is crucial in ensuring that patients achieve optimal visual performance, especially in cases where coordination between both eyes is necessary for tasks such as reading, driving, or general visual engagement.

While roles like fitting spectacles, diagnosing diseases, and performing surgeries are valuable in the field of eye care, they fall under the purview of optometrists and ophthalmologists, rather than orthoptists.