The little girl's mother noticed that the child's left eye was beginning to turn inward. Her pediatrician referred them to a pediatric ophthalmologist, a physician who specializes in pediatric eye care.
At the ophthalmologist's office, the girl was first seen by an orthoptist, who carried out a series of diagnostic tests and measurements to assess visual function, the need for glasses, and how well the child's eyes worked together.
The orthoptist recorded the results in the medical record and conferred with the ophthalmologist. Together they formulated a treatment plan, which included a prescription for glasses and use of an eye patch on the stronger eye. Then over the next few months, the orthoptist monitored the child's progress.
What Do They Do?
Orthoptics literally means "straight eyes." Orthoptists specialize in eye muscle disorders. They evaluate depth perception, eye alignment, eye movements and eye coordination.
Most are employed in the offices of pediatric ophthalmologists, says Bill McMichael, a certified orthoptist at Park Nicollet Clinic (www.parknicollet.com). But he notes that some work with neurophthalmologists, evaluating adults with vision problems caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and stroke.
A Day In The Life
During a typical day, McMichael sees between 15 and 20 patients - about 80 percent of whom are children. Some referred by pediatricians and local schools after routine vision screening. Others have conditions like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, prematurity or even congenital cataracts.
