orthoptist

Everyday

A health professional who checks and treats problems with how the eyes move and work together, such as a squint or a lazy eye. tree →

In the lessons

Used in health and everyday life in the UK, Ireland, Australia and other countries: children may see an orthoptist at an eye clinic for a squint (strabismus) or lazy eye (amblyopia), and may be given an eye patch or glasses.

Examples

• The orthoptist checked how my eyes moved together. tree →
• My little brother sees an orthoptist about his squint. tree →
• The orthoptist gave her an eye patch to wear. tree →
• At the hospital eye clinic, we saw an orthoptist and then an eye doctor. tree →
• An orthoptist can test a baby's eyes too. tree →
• The school nurse sent me to an orthoptist after the eye test. tree →

Note

"An orthoptist" (an, before a vowel sound). Pronounced "or-THOP-tist". Other eye jobs: "optician" (makes and sells glasses), "optometrist" (tests eyesight), "ophthalmologist" (eye doctor and surgeon).