Article: Orthoptics

Orthoptics (from the Greek words ortho meaning "straight", and optikas meaning "vision" [1]) is the discipline dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of defective eye coordination, binocular vision, and functional amblyopia by non-pharmaceutical and non-surgical methods, e.g., glasses, prisms, exercises. [2] The goal of orthoptics is to improve comfort and efficiency of binocular function.

History and scope of treatment

The discipline dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of defective eye coordination, binocular vision, and functional amblyopia by non-medical and non-surgical methods, e.g., glasses, prisms, exercises

Orthoptists

Orthoptics is practiced by ophthalmologists, optometrists, and orthoptists. In many countries there is formal training for orthoptists that usually lasts 2 to 4 years post graduate training and includes both theoretical and practical training. Orthoptists usually work in close cooperation with ophthalmologists, pediatricians, and sometimes neurologists.

Applications

• Near point of convergence exercises (i.e. "pencil push-ups")
• Convergence training - Base-out prism reading, stereogram cards, computerized training programs are used to improve fusional convergence.^[1]

Notes

See also

• College of Optometrists in Vision Development
• Convergence insufficiency
• Diplopia
• Pediatric ophthalmology
• Strabismus