Welcome to the International Orthoptic Association (IOA).

Founded in 1967, the IOA is a world organisation of professional orthoptic bodies. We welcome you to this website featuring an array of information on orthoptics from around the world. You will find features, contacts, event information, news, views and other items of interest.

The aim of the IOA is to promote the science of orthoptics worldwide; to provide information and support to national bodies and individual orthoptists; and to help maintain and improve standards of education, training and orthoptic practice. Membership continues to increase; there are 15 full-member countries and 6 countries with associate member status. The IOA is proud to have approximately 9.000 orthoptist members worldwide.


It is time to start planning for 2016. With the Toronto IOA Congress still fresh in our collective memories, I invite all orthoptic colleagues to attend the XIIIth Congress of the International Orthoptic Association, in collaboration with the Dutch Society of Orthoptics, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands June 27-30 at the De Doelen Concert Hall and Congress Centre
The theme of the Congress ‘Bridging Worlds‘ is intended to inspire thoughtful stimulating discussion, to share global perspectives and to debate the exciting future prospects of our profession. The universe of orthoptics has common scopes of practice  that may enacted through many approaches, which reinforce the richness of the profession‘s diversity. The 2016 Congress builds on the successful tradition of previous IOA Congresses and on the IOA’s commitment to professional knowledge transfer through International congresses. This is another unique opportunity for members of the profession. Delegates will interact in forums designed to facilitate exchange and expand their respective knowledge of the other‘s orthoptic developments in education, clinical practice and research. The influences of different perspectives and culture are never more powerful than in the lived experience of an IOA Congress. Gaining access to world professional advancements through presentations, posters and discussion forums opens up an exciting body of knowledge frequently locked away in publications. I encourage all of you to plan your participation in another stimulating IOA Congress; this time in collaboration with our host Dutch colleagues.
The Congress is a highlight of IOA activities every four years. Watch the Rotterdam, IOA Congress website at www.ioacongress2016.org for progress reports on the Congress. I look forward to meeting you in The Netherlands.

Karen McMain, IOA President

Mark your calendar for this important date in the orthoptic calendar to promote and celebrate the profession internationally.

What is World Orthoptic Day?
The International Orthoptic Association (IOA) is the global voice of the orthoptic profession which internationally is made up of 15 member national professional organisations and 6 associate member organizations. IOA World Orthoptic Day is the opportunity to heighten the visibility of the orthoptic profession and to promote the activities of orthoptists locally, nationally, and internationally.

If you are looking for a job abroad, please visit the members only section, where you will find job vacancies and applications.

We hope you will take time to browse through the information provided and become a frequent visitor to the IOA website.