Job Summary:

The Orthoptist will diagnose and treat visual system disorders such as binocular vision and eye movement impairments.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Performs diagnostic tests or measurements such as motor testing, visual acuity testing, lensometry, retinoscopy, and color vision testing. Evaluates, diagnoses, and treats disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision or abnormal eye movements.
• Examines patients with problems related to ocular motility, binocular vision, amblyopia, or strabismus. Provides instructions to patients or family members concerning diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Provides nonsurgical interventions including corrective lenses, patches, drops, fusion exercises, and stereograms to treat conditions such as strabismus, heterophoria, and convergence insufficiency.
• Develops and uses special test and communication techniques to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of children or disabled patients. Interprets clinical and diagnostic test results.
• Develops nonsurgical treatment plans for patients with conditions such as strabismus, nystagmus, and other visual disorders.
• Provides training related to clinical methods or orthoptics to students, resident physicians, or other health professionals. Assists ophthalmologists in diagnostic ophthalmic procedures such as ultrasonography, fundus photography, and tonometry.
• Refers patients to ophthalmic surgeons or other physicians.
• Collaborates with ophthalmologists, optometrists, or other specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, or management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases.
• Participates in clinical research projects.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of computer-based training software such as SeeRite Flash and Match.
• Knowledge of medical software such as computer-aided vision therapy (CAVT), MAX Systems Max-Gold Medical Clinic Software, and therapeutic orthoptic software.
• Knowledge of word processing software such as Microsoft Suite or other similar software.
• Extensive knowledge of medical terminology specifically as related to eye and vision issues.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree required; post-baccalaureate certificate or Masters degree preferred.
• Five years of related experience required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing and bending.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.