Orthoptist (ANZSCO 251412): code, skill level, and visa lists

Orthoptist is ANZSCO code 251412, skill level 1. The ABS describes the role as: diagnoses and manages eye movement disorders and associated sensory deficiencies. Registration or licensing may be required.

Orthoptists work alongside ophthalmologists and optometrists in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The role is classified at skill level 1 in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations 2022, meaning the benchmark is a bachelor degree or higher, or equivalent experience recognised by the assessing authority.

Who assesses this occupation

The professional body for Orthoptists in Australia is Orthoptics Australia. Orthoptics is not an AHPRA-registered profession; the skills assessment pathway for this occupation differs from that of optometrists in the same ANZSCO unit group. The Orthoptist occupation page on anzscofinder carries the current authority detail, direct links, and any updates to assessment requirements. Always check the occupation page before you begin the process, as assessment pathways can change.

Visa lists

Orthoptist 251412 sits on the following lists as of 2026-05-25.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This list is used for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and related pathways. Check the current official list at Home Affairs before you rely on any occupation’s inclusion.

Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Also confirmed on the Home Affairs skill occupation list as of 2026-05-25.

NZ Green List, Tier 1. Inclusion on the NZ Green List opens a pathway to a straight-to-residence work visa in New Zealand. Tier 1 is the higher tier and typically carries the most direct residency route. The current NZ Green List is published by Immigration New Zealand at opsmanual 86898.

List membership is not the same as a shortage rating. Being on CSOL or STSOL opens a visa pathway. A separate shortage rating comes from the 2025 Occupation Shortage List, released October 2025. The current rating for Orthoptist is on the occupation page: check it there rather than relying on any fixed text.

Near-miss code to check

Optometrist (251411) is in the same group, Optometrists and Orthoptists (2514). The distinction: Optometrists examine eyes and prescribe corrective lenses; Orthoptists specialise in eye movement disorders and sensory deficiencies. If your work sits across both areas, check which code your assessing authority recognises for your qualifications.

Find your code

Browse the full ANZSCO 2022 occupation list to confirm this is the right code for your qualifications and duties. If you are unsure which code fits, you can paste your CV into the anzscofinder matcher to see the closest codes: it shows its working, so you can judge the match.

For advice on which visa to apply for, or whether your qualifications will satisfy assessment requirements, speak to a registered migration agent. We surface facts; we don’t tell you what visa to apply for.