They have been respected members of the allied health care in ophthalmology for more than fifty years. Orthoptics is a versatile field with opportunities and responsibilities in a variety of clinical settings. Orthoptists may serve their communities in private ophthalmology practices. Others may work in hospital or medical university settings with involvement in patient care, academics and clinical research. Orthoptists may serve as directors or advisors of state and local vision screening programs.
Orthoptists commonly work in pediatric ophthalmology settings.
Orthoptists serve patients of all ages, but because of the nature of many binocular disorders, the majority of patients are children. Adult care in the field of orthoptics is uniquely challenging and rewarding, found in settings of ophthalmology specific to neuro-ophthalmology and adult eye muscle disorders. Orthoptics offers opportunities for dynamic individuals who desire to exercise leadership ability and for those who enjoy involvement in a professional organization. The AACO is governed and administrated by member orthoptists. Presently, fifteen programs affiliated with medical facilities or universities in the US and Canada offer an orthoptic curriculum.