Eye Therapy (Orthoptics)

What is Eye Therapy (Orthoptics)?

Eye Therapy or Orthoptics is the assessment, diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of eye disorders. It treats disorders of the eye muscles that prevent normal vision.

An Orthoptist assesses, diagnoses, treats and rehabilitates patients with eye disorders, including:

• amblyopia (lazy eye)
• cataracts
• diabetic eye disease
• double vision
• glaucoma
• low vision
• macular degeneration
• misalignment of the eyes (strabismus)
• systemic or neurological vision disorders.

You may decide to see an orthoptist if:

• Your eyes deviate or turn constantly or intermittently.
• You suffer from blurred, missing or double vision.
• You have poor vision that cannot be corrected by glasses.
• You have low vision requiring aids to manage basic daily living tasks and/or occupational demands.
• You have visual difficulties resulting from a brain injury or a stroke.

Is Orthoptics a regulated profession in Australia? 

No. In Australia, Orthoptics is a self-regulated profession.

To become a registered Orthoptist with the Australian Orthoptic Board, you need to:

• complete an Australian undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Orthoptics
• follow a continuing professional development program.

Does private health insurance cover Eye Therapy (Orthoptics)?

If private health insurance covers Eye Therapy (Orthoptics), it falls under Extras Cover.

Ask your insurer whether it covers Eye Therapy (Orthoptics).

If so, check whether Eye Therapy (Orthoptics) is subject to:

• a waiting period before you can make a claim
• per claim limits
• annual limits.

Note that other treatments for the eyes are under different categories:

• Extras Cover:
  • Optical
• Hospital Cover:
  • Eye (not cataracts)
  • Cataracts. 

If I have Extras Cover that includes Orthoptics, will I be covered to see any Orthoptist? 

No. To be covered, you will need to see an Orthoptist who is:

• registered with the Australian Orthoptic Board and has a Certificate of Currency
• a member of Orthoptics Australia.

In addition, your health insurer can decide whether or not to cover treatments from a particular provider.

Some insurers may require you to see a Orthoptist who is one of their recognised providers only.

Before seeking treatment, always check with your health insurer that you are covered.

Does Medicare cover Eye Therapy (Orthoptics)?

Generally, Medicare does not cover the cost of Eye Therapy (Orthoptics). 

However, Medicare does cover Orthoptics for the diagnosis and treatment of a developmental disorder or other disability for a person under the age of 25.

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