How to become an Orthoptist

Diagnoses and manages eye movement, binocular vision disorders and ocular diseases, through orthoptic therapy and other non-surgical management for ocular conditions.

Main tasks

• Assesses visual function, binocular vision and eye alignment
• Interprets diagnostic testing of visual function and detects eye disease
• Diagnoses eye movement and binocular vision disorders related to childhood strabismus or acquired through stroke, traumatic brain injury or other causes
• Prescribes and provides orthoptic therapy and other non-surgical management for those with eye movement disorders
• Prescribes glasses and low vision aids
• Provides visual rehabilitation for patients with low vision, including education and support with orthoptic and ophthalmic conditions
• Provides pre-, peri- and post-operative care for ophthalmic patients, including assisting in ophthalmic surgery and minor procedures
• Works collaboratively with Ophthalmologists to manage eye disease
• Coordinates and implements vision screening programs

Ways in

• University: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 10,000 people work in this job group now, and about 13,400 are projected by 2035. (+32.9%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Orthoptist?

Ways in include: Allied Health degrees.

Is an Orthoptist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 33% by 2035, from about 10,000 to about 13,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Orthoptist?

Usually. 89% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Orthoptist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04