What is an Orthoptist?
Orthoptists are allied health professionals recognized by the American Medical Association and work alongside ophthalmologists, primarily in pediatric or neuro-ophthalmology. Orthoptists function similarly to a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner but must receive highly specialized training focused on assessing eye movement and binocular vision disorders in children and adults.
Orthoptists work with patients of all ages. Patients may be referred to an orthoptist for a sensorimotor evaluation which includes assessment of amblyopia, strabismus, double vision, nystagmus and other complex disorders related to binocular function. Orthoptists may also evaluate patients before and after strabismus surgery or at the time of their appointment with the ophthalmologist. Your orthoptist may suggest a variety of non-surgical treatment options including occlusion, prism, glasses, exercises or pharmacological intervention.
It is the goal of orthoptists to improve the quality of life of all patients by raising awareness of binocular vision disorders and promoting a positive working relationship between patients, parents, and ophthalmologists. Together, orthoptists and ophthalmologists strive to limit childhood blindness and restore the standard of living for adults suffering from debilitating double vision and eye misalignment.
Certified Orthoptist – Bevin Bithell, C.O.
Bevin Bithell has been with Children’s Eye Care since 2020. She is integral to our team approach to caring for patients with amblyopia and strabismus. She is especially skilled in addressing adult double vision problems. She was awarded the Scobee Award in 2020, recognizing her as the best and brightest in her field. She trained at the University of Michigan at Kellogg Eye Center and is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She is committed to working with patients and families to provide individualized care for a lifetime of better vision.
Certified Orthoptist – Humayra Bobby, C.O.
Humayra Bobby joined the Children’s Eye Care team in 2024. Her outstanding training at the Kellogg Eye Center affords her excellent insight to caring for our patients with lazy eye and eye misalignment. She is well versed in our team approach to patients, especially our adults with double vision. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan. She has spent most of her professional career in the eye care field and she is dedicated to addressing the individual needs of our patients of any age.
