What is an Orthoptist? | An orthoptist is a specialized clinician in the evaluation and treatment of visual system dysfunctions involving visual development, eye movement, eye alignment and binocularity. Orthoptists are on the front line in the assessment and diagnosis of visual disorders such as poorly developed vision (amblyopia), eye misalignment (strabismus) and double vision (diplopia) in children and adults. They constitute a critical part of the ophthalmology team, working closely with patients and families to support their needs. Canadian Orthoptists use evidence-based practice to improve visual function and quality of life through assessment, diagnosis, and the planning and implementation of treatment. An orthoptist can practice as a clinician, educator, researcher, or administrator to optimize the delivery of quality eye health services. Want to learn more? Visit The Canadian Orthoptic Society |
Who is the COC?
| The Canadian Orthoptic Council (COC) is the body sanctioned by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society to certify and govern Orthoptists in Canada. |
Our Mission and Vision
The purpose of the COC is to certify orthoptists and ensure quality of care in the study of neuro-muscular anomalies of the visual system in all its aspects. In furtherance of these scientific and educational purposes the Council will endeavor to:
- Establish standards for the education of orthoptics in Canada.
- Ensure a verification system for the quality of education in all Canadian orthoptic programs.
- Provide a verification system to ensure a sufficient level of competency of graduating orthoptic students.
- Provide a verification system to ensure a sufficient level of competency and quality of professionalism of practicing orthoptists in Canada.
- Be responsive to the needs of the ophthalmic profession for relevant and quality orthoptic expertise in the care of patients with oculomotor anomalies.
- Provide guidance to Canadian certified orthoptists as the representative organization of the orthoptic profession in Canada.
President: Dr. Annick Fournier, MD, FRCSC
Vice President: Vaishali Mehta, BMedSci, OC(C)
President Elect: Vacant
TCOS Representatives: Mallory Coughlin OC(C) & Raquel Beneish OC(C)
Secretary-Treasurer: Dr. Ian Clark, MA, MB, BChir, FRCSEd (Ophth) FRCSC
Executive Administrator: Jocelyn Zurevinsky OC(C)
Office Assistant: Mariah Hogan, Msc, CLVT, COT, OC(C)