Orthoptist

% 

of time

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care:

1. Record a complete ocular and medical history.
2. Qualitative and Quantitative assessment of visual acuity in pre-verbal, illiterate, literate, and non-English speaking patients.
3. Measure spectacle power, including prism, perform assessment of the eye alignment and detection and measurement of strabismus using both subjective and objective techniques, including but not limited to: 
   1. Cover tests
   2. Corneal light reflex test
   3. Diplopia tests
   4. Tests for cyclotropia
   5. Amblyoscope
4. Performs various assessments including:
   1. Eye movements
   2. Eye muscle function using duction and version testing
   3. Binocular vision
   4. Pupil and pupil responses including assessment of:
      1. Size
      2. Shape
      3. Location
      4. Direct response to light
      5. Response to near and swinging flashlight test
      6. Accommodation using subjective and objective techniques
      7. Estimation of refractive error by retinoscopy
      8. Visual Fields using confrontation techniques
      9. Instillation of ophthalmic medications at the direction of attending ophthalmologist or optometrist
5. Through interpretation of test results, the orthoptist helps the ophthalmologist design a treatment plan for patient.
6. Under the direct/indirect supervision of an ophthalmologist, the Orthoptist designs and/or monitors a program of non-surgical treatments of:
   1. Strabismus
   2. Amblyopia
   3. Disorders of binocular vision including pre- and post-operative sensorimotor evaluations
   4. Management of diplopia including but not limited to:
      1. Fitting of ophthalmic prisms or filters
      2. Designing of eye exercises to improve binocular function
      3. Recommendation
      4. Implementation and/or modification of amblyopia therapy
      5. Recommendation for modification of refractive correction

Other Clinical Responsibilities:

1. Provides orthoptic care and education to patients
2. Facilitates continuity of care through phone, verbal or written messages
3. May also accompany the surgeon to the operating room and function as a scrub nurse or an assistant
4. May participate in clinical research and education of ophthalmic technicians, medical students and/or residents and fellows

Coordination and Communication

1. Demonstrates courtesy, common sense and follow-through in all telephone communications maintaining the Telephone Standards as established by the Medical Center staff.
2. Ensures a professional and helpful working environment by upholding the House Standards as adopted by the Medical Center staff.
3. Participates in communicating the specific needs of patients to care providers.  Acts as liaison between ophthalmologist/optometrist and patient or parents.
4. Completes forms and prepare referral letter(s).
5. Assists in practice management and coordinates pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus patient care with direction from the supervising physician.
6. Complies with all Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies and procedures for infection control, safety, administrative and clinical practice.  Complies with activities mandated by The Joint Commission, Tittle XXII, and DHS.