French Public Health Code
In forceThe practice of orthoptics involves health promotion, prevention, orthoptic assessment and treatment of motor, sensory and functional visual impairments, as well as vision exploration.
Orthoptists practise their art on medical prescription or, in particular in an ophthalmologist's surgery, under the responsibility of a doctor.
By way of derogation from the second paragraph, an orthoptist may, without a medical prescription and without being placed under the responsibility of a doctor :
1° Carry out a visual assessment and prescribe corrective lenses and ocular contact lenses, in accordance with the procedures, conditions and patient age criteria laid down by a decree of the Conseil d'Etat issued after consultation with the Académie nationale de médecine and the Conseil national professionnel d'ophtalmologie.
Orthoptists may only renew, and where necessary adapt, a prescription for corrective lenses or contact lenses issued by an ophthalmologist or orthoptist if a visual assessment has first been carried out by an ophthalmologist, in accordance with the conditions laid down by decree following consultation with the Conseil national professionnel d'ophtalmologie ;
2° Screening children for amblyopia and refractive errors, in accordance with the conditions and age criteria laid down by a decree issued after consultation with the Conseil national professionnel d'ophtalmologie.
They detect, assess, re-educate, rehabilitate and explore vision disorders, from infants to the elderly. They help to prevent potential risks and disabilities.
Orthoptists carry out their activities independently and with full responsibility, in accordance with the professional rules set out in 1° of Article L. 4342-7.
In the case of congenital or acquired disorders, the orthoptist uses the most appropriate techniques and know-how for the evaluation and orthoptic treatment of the patient and participates in their coordination. Their work contributes in particular to the development and maintenance of the patient's autonomy and quality of life.
He may prescribe or, unless otherwise indicated by the doctor, renew medical prescriptions for orthoptic medical devices, the list of which is set by order of the ministers responsible for health and social security, following consultation with the Académie nationale de médecine.
He may, in the context of a renewal, adapt the initial medical prescriptions for corrective lenses and ocular contact lenses, unless the doctor objects.
Orthoptists may give training sessions in the handling and fitting of lenses.
They may also contribute to initial and continuing training and to research.
The definition of orthoptic procedures and the conditions for the adaptation provided for in the eleventh paragraph are specified by a decree of the Conseil d'Etat issued after consultation with the Académie nationale de médecine.
