Orthoptists are university-trained allied health professionals who specialise in paediatric eye assessments, binocular vision and ocular movement disorders. An orthoptist will commonly assess children with vision or eye-related issues, as well as adults with double vision. Aside from diagnosing and conducting investigations into these conditions, they also provide management plans, which may include amblyopia treatment, prism fittings, and the use of Bangerter foils. Some orthoptists will specialise in other areas such as general ophthalmology, driving assessments, low vision rehabilitation, education or clinical research.

Orthoptist can work in a number of different settings, including hospitals, private practices, low vision services, community health, clinical research centres, universities, or even retail (e.g. sales of ophthalmic devices/instruments). Orthoptist can work independently, jointly with ophthalmologists, or within multi-disciplinary teams. Think of occupational therapists, who may see you on an individual basis, in conjunction with doctors before or after an intervention to help you with rehabilitation, or with a team of professionals to co-ordinate your care.

Carrie Griffiths

Carrie completed a Medical Science degree in Orthoptics at Sheffield University in the UK and this was followed by a Masters of Health Studies from the University of Liverpool. She is a highly experienced orthoptist having worked extensively in the UK before moving to South Australia. Carrie has a keen interest in both adult and paediatric strabismus and eye movement disorders, eye strain issues, Goldmann perimetry, and neurological disorders affecting the eyes. She is the co-founder of Adelaide Orthoptics, a private orthoptic practice located in the idyllic suburb of North Adelaide.

Tania Straga

Tania graduated with a Bachelor of Orthoptic and Ophthalmic Sciences from La Trobe University in 2003, followed by a postgraduate qualification in Genetic Counselling from Charles Sturt University. Tania has almost 20 years experience as a paediatric and adult orthoptist, and has done volunteer work with Sight for All in the training of orthoptists in developing countries.  She has a special interest in strabismus, eye movement and eye co-ordination disorders, and concussion related eye problems. Tania is the current owner of Adelaide Eye Therapy, a private practice located in Dulwich, close to the Adelaide CBD.

Lachlan Knight

Lachlan graduated from a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Orthoptics at La Trobe University, and is currently completing his PhD at Flinders University investigating the quality of life in patients with childhood glaucoma. Lachlan is a vibrant orthoptist, dedicated to treating adult and paediatric orthoptic issues including double vision, eye movement disorders and lazy vision (amblyopia). Aside from working in private and public clinics across Adelaide, Lachlan is a strong advocate for the orthoptic profession across Australia, having served as a Director of Orthoptics Australia and the South Australian state representative.