Most patients of orthoptists are children who suffer from strabismus. One eye focuses properly, but the other eye strays, creating a cross-eyed appearance. One eye may also be higher or lower than the other. Some adults, as well as 2 to 4 percent of all children, suffer from strabismus. Treatment may consist of the use of eye exercises, eyeglasses, eye patches, prisms, surgery, or a combination of methods to correct focusing errors.
Orthoptists perform an important service for children and young people.
Children with faulty vision often lack self-esteem. A visual disability can slow the learning process and give these children the impression that they are slow learners. Besides helping these children improve their vision, orthoptists also help them acquire self-confidence. Orthoptists are responsible for evaluating vision and ocular alignment using special examination techniques. They work mainly with children and young adults to help them overcome eye disorders.