Ophthalmic Technology and Orthoptics Program
The Role of the Ophthalmic Technologist or Orthoptist in Ophthalmology
The ophthalmic technologist is an important part of the ophthalmic medical team, helping to provide quality patient care through diagnostic testing and patient education. The increasing complexity of ophthalmic diagnostic techniques has created a need for highly skilled technical personnel to guide the patient through the examination process. Ophthalmic technology can provide both a challenging and satisfying health care career. Excellent opportunities are available in private ophthalmology practices, in clinical settings, and research.
Orthoptists work with the ophthalmologist to determine how well the eyes function as a pair. They carry out non-surgical treatment to achieve good vision or strengthen binocular ability if there is a misalignment of the eyes. Most of this work is with children, since younger patients respond better to treatment and correction
