Twenty one member countries of the International Orthoptic Association are celebrating World Orthoptic Day today.
Orthoptics Australia has been a member of the International Orthoptic Association for 75 years – in deed, it was a foundation member of the Association and continues to take an active part in its management and work. The local association has won the bid to host the IOA conference in 2024 in Brisbane.
Following the last census in 2016, 814 people identified as orthoptists, an increase of 19% on the 2011 census
Marion Rivers, President of Orthoptics Australia said the profession of orthoptics continues to grow in Australia.
“Following the last census in 2016, 814 people identified as orthoptists, an increase of 19% on the 2011 census,” she said.
Student numbers across the profession’s two schools of study, at UTS and La Trobe University remain steady, graduating approximately 60 orthoptists per year from each university.
Orthoptics Australia is aware of the need to encourage orthoptists into remote and regional areas with nearly 80% of orthoptists currently employed in Sydney and Melbourne.
Orthoptics Australia provides a range of member services including an annual conference, numerous events for professional development and advocacy for the profession with governments and other agencies.
