They perform diagnostic and highly technical procedures and, in consultation with an ophthalmologist, plan, implement and monitor treatment of a wide variety of ocular disorders, including disorders of binocular vision and ocular motility.  They are engaged in a range of activities including research into ocular motility, education of other eye care professionals (including ophthalmology residents), patient education and vision screening.  They are also particularly trained in the assessment of paediatric, geriatric and neurological impaired patients.

Many orthoptists are dually certified as ophthalmic medical technologists who are additionally skilled in refraction, contact lens evaluation, assessments of visual fields and low vision, and electro-physiology.