Orthoptist (ANZSCO 251412)
Updated
What an Orthoptist does
Diagnoses and manages eye movement disorders and associated sensory deficiencies. Registration or licensing may be required.
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 251412
- Skill level
- 1Bachelor degree or higher
- Skilled lists
- Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)Regional Occupation List (ROL)
- Assessing authority
- VETASSESS
- National shortage
- Shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedVia STSOLEligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedVia STSOL and ROLEligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
Main tasks
- examining patients' eyes and setting tests to determine the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities
- assessing ocular health and visual function by measuring visual acuity and refractive error, and testing the function of visual pathways, visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure, and performing other tests using special eye test equipment
- detecting, diagnosing and managing eye disease, referring patients to, and receiving referrals from other health providers, and prescribing medications for the treatment of eye disease
- diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects of binocular function
- prescribing lenses, contact lenses and low vision aids, and checking suitability and comfort
- prescribing exercises to coordinate movement and focusing of eyes
- managing programs for eye movement disorders, and instructing and counselling patients in the use of corrective techniques and eye exercises
- advising on visual health matters such as contact lens care, vision care for the elderly, optics, visual ergonomics, and occupational and industrial eye safety
- conducting preventative screening programs
- conducting rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired
Shortage by state
- NationalShortage
- ACTShortage
- NSWShortage
- NTNo shortage
- QLDShortage
- SAShortage
- TASShortage
- VICShortage
- WAShortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does an Orthoptist do?
Diagnoses and manages eye movement disorders and associated sensory deficiencies. Registration or licensing may be required. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Orthoptist on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Orthoptist (ANZSCO 251412) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Orthoptist?
251412. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can an Orthoptist migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Orthoptist for the Subclass 186, Subclass 190, Subclass 482, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Who assesses Orthoptist for an Australian visa?
VETASSESS, the skills assessing authority listed for 251412.
Is Orthoptist in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "Shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.