Looking For The Future Directions To Improve The Ability Of Japanese Orthoptists In Clinical Works

1. Hiroko Takasaki
2. Chihiro Ito
3. Akio Tabuchi

1. Department of Sensory Science, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare
2. Graduate school of Health Science and Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare

Purpose: The qualification system for orthoptists varies in different country members of the IOA. In Japan, orthoptic students should pass the National Examination for orthoptists to perform clinical work legally. Therefore, this examination may help in predicting the future direction of orthoptists activity and clinical research development. The purpose of this study was to look for future directions to improve the ability of Japanese orthoptists in clinical works.

Methods: Firstly, we analyzed the content of the National Examination for orthoptists and inferred the future trends for Japanese orthoptists according to the need of clinical ophthalmology.

Secondly, we searched for qualification systems and educational programs from the website of countries member of the IOA.

Results and conclusion: 1) Improving our knowledge and correcting techniques in relation to refractive errors are essential for clinical ophthalmology. These will contribute to develop the vision science.
2) Understanding the up-to-date ophthalmology is necessary to improve the diagnostic ability on imaging technology from the aspects of orthoptist.
3) We hope to establish a supportive network for people's quality of vision.
4) For further development of our profession in the future, we need to search a possibility of sharing a new educational program which included some basic materials and create such a joint-license system for orthoptists in countries member of the IOA.