Vision and Sport: The past present and future role of orthoptics

Pierre Elmurr, BappSc (Orth), MAppSc (ExerSportsSc)

In 1970 Air Vice Marshal Daley addressed the graduating Orthoptists in Melbourne. Extracts from his speech were published in the 1970 Australian Orthoptic Journal. In his speech he outlined the significant role of Orthoptics in training pilots during World War 2. He also stated the important role of Orthoptics in sport and gave an example of the “Hawthorn footballer who, following some ailment lost his ability to mark the ball overhead. After orthoptics he recovered his skill, and retained his place in the league”.
During this decade and in the 1980’s Optometrists mainly in the United States started to develop – and propose theories for vision and sports performance. Limited Orthoptic literature in this area led to the development of optometric sports vision training programs. These years produce much anecdotal evidence and to date the sports medicine community largely continues to ignore the claims of vision training and sports performance.
The development of the Orthoptic profession in Australia over the last 50 years has highlighted the flexibility in applying our theoretical and practical knowledge to benefit special communities. This has occurred in low vision rehabilitation, CVA and head injury rehabilitation and driver rehabilitation. The role of orthoptics in sport is purely an extension of these specialty areas.
Sport brings together the celebration of human kind and the endeavours to perform and participate at the highest levels. Orthoptics is a celebration of a profession that continues to expand, thrive and offer opportunities to all those who are willing to participate.
The challenge of re-establishing the role of orthoptics in sport has only just begun. This presentation will highlight the past, present and future role the Orthoptist in sport.