Orthoptics Awareness Week 2026: 5 Things You Need to Know About Orthoptists
1–5 June, Australia
Orthoptics Awareness Week is here, and it’s the perfect moment to spotlight a profession many Australians have heard of, but few truly understand. From supporting children’s vision to helping adults recover after illness or injury, orthoptists play a vital role in Australia’s eye‑care system.
This year’s national theme, “Because I am an Orthoptist”, celebrates the many ways orthoptists go above and beyond for patients and communities across the country.
Here are 5 Things Worth Knowing About this Essential (and often unsung) Profession.
1. Orthoptists specialise in how the eyes work together
Orthoptists are experts in eye movements, eye alignment, and binocular vision — the skills that allow our eyes to track, focus, and work together. They support people experiencing double vision, eye‑turns, amblyopia, neurological vision issues, and vision changes after injury or illness.
Their work is highly specialised, deeply technical, and focused on restoring comfortable, functional vision.
2. They work across hospitals, specialist clinics, community health, research and education
Orthoptists contribute across the entire eye‑care landscape — from paediatric clinics to stroke rehabilitation, from ophthalmology practices to university research. Orthoptics Australia highlights their role across hospitals, private practice, community health, research and education.
Wherever complex vision needs arise, orthoptists are often part of the team.
3. Their care is evidence‑based and patient‑centred
Orthoptists use evidence‑based assessments and treatments to support patients across the lifespan. They collaborate closely with ophthalmologists, neurologists, paediatricians, and rehabilitation teams to help people achieve the best possible visual function.
Their work may include:
- Eye‑movement and binocular vision assessments
- Vision therapy and rehabilitation
- Pre‑ and post‑operative testing
- Monitoring complex or developing eye conditions
Every step is grounded in precision and patient care.
4. Orthoptists support people through major life changes
Vision challenges can appear suddenly or gradually — during childhood development, adulthood, or following illness or injury. Orthoptists help people adapt, regain confidence, and maintain independence.
They support:
- Children developing healthy visual skills
- Adults experiencing sudden double vision
- Older Australians managing age‑related changes
- Patients recovering from stroke or neurological events
Their impact extends far beyond the clinic.
5. Orthoptics Awareness Week celebrates the people behind the profession
Throughout the week, orthoptists across Australia are encouraged to share their stories, what their work means, why they’re passionate about it, and how they make a difference every day.
Orthoptics Australia will also showcase orthoptists nationwide, highlighting the diversity and impact of the profession.
It’s a national moment to recognise the skill, dedication, and community contribution of orthoptists everywhere.
A Final Note from Optical Superstore
While orthoptists typically work in specialist settings, we’re proud to support awareness of the broader eye‑care community — and to help Australians understand the many professionals who contribute to healthy vision.
If you ever have questions about your vision or your child’s visual development, your local Optical Superstore team is always here to help guide your next step.
Clear vision starts with understanding, and this week is all about shining a light on the people who make that possible.
