In general, they help the ophthalmologist evaluate the ocular health of patients. They sometimes assist in ophthalmic surgery. Orthoptists do not give injections or draw blood. For children under three, orthoptists may conduct a preferential looking test. This test is a simple method of testing visual acuity by observing a child's reactions as they look at cards that are part blank and part striped.
Orthoptists teach children and their parents exercises for the children to practice at home.
These may include exercises to strengthen binocularity. Orthoptists also direct the course of patching therapy for amblyopia. Adults present different demands on orthoptists. Since the cause of eye movement disorders in older patients is often neurologic, orthoptists sometime work in neuro-ophthalmology offices. Orthoptists may engage in research to evaluate current methods of treatment, devise new modes of exercises, and increase the understanding of binocular vision.