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Australian Orthotic and Prosthetic Association

Welcome to AOPA

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Founded in 1975, AOPA is the peak professional body representing orthotists and prosthetists within Australia. AOPA aims to promote the training, education and professional status of orthotists and prosthetists throughout Australia.

Orthotists and prosthetists are allied health professionals who liaise regularly with members of the multidisciplinary health team. The prosthetist/orthotist combines knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology and materials with physical skills such as patient assessment, casting, measurement and alignment to provide prosthetic and orthotic treatment, which is specific to each patient managed.

Our Commitment

The Association is committed to provide continuing education of the highest standard. Newsletters, seminars, workshops and publications keep members and industry colleagues up to date on all matters relevant to the profession including the latest clinical and technical research and development. The AOPA Continuing Professional Development Program ensures members are encouraged and rewarded for their continuing education efforts.

Through the Association's work, the profession has gained widespread recognition for professional excellence. Representation to federal and state government, industry stakeholders, employers and the public is made by AOPA on a wide range of issues including qualifications, professional standards and funding matters.

 

What is an Orthotist?

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An Orthotist (pron: Ortho-tist) is an allied health professional and clinician who practices in public hospitals or the private sector.

The Orthotist's role is to assess, prescribe, apply and provide education regarding the use and care of an appropriate orthosis that serves the individual's requirements.

An orthosis is the true term for a brace or appliance that is designed and fitted to the body to achieve one or more of the following goals:

  • Control biomechanical alignment
  • Protect and support a healing injury
  • Assist rehabilitation
  • Reduce pain
  • Increase mobility
  • Increase independence

Commonly prescribed orthoses include;

  • Foot Orthoses, for various foot problems
  • Ankle and Knee Orthoses, for joint protection or support after surgery
  • Fracture Orthoses, the modern alternative to plaster or fibreglass casts
  • Spinal Orthoses, providing low back pain relief or helping control spinal deformities and injuries

There are a wide variety of prefabricated and custom made orthoses used for many musculo-skeletal problems. They are specialised devices should always be fitted by a fully qualified Orthotist.

 

What is a Prosthetist?

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A Prosthetist / Orthotist is an Allied Health Professional who designs, measures, fabricates and fits Prostheses and Orthoses. The Prosthetist / Orthotist upgrades their knowledge, skills and experience to ensure the best possible Prosthesis or Orthoses is provided for each individual. 

A Prosthetist (pron: Pros-the-tist) is an allied health professional who is clinically responsible for assessing, manufacturing and fitting various types of upper and lower limb prostheses (artificial limbs). Prosthetists also provide education and training regarding the use, care and function of prostheses.

All limb prostheses are precision made appliances that are individually designed to restore the function and look of the lost limb as much as possible. Prosthetists assist clients such as children born with congenital limb deficiency, people who have had an amputation following an accident or the elderly who have lost a limb as a result of vascular disease.

Due to modern advances in prosthetic technology, prosthetists to supply lighter, stronger and more naturally functioning prostheses than ever before. Technological advances include the ‘energy storing foot', the ‘microprocessor controlled knee' and the myo-electric (bionic) hand.

 


Newsflash

Latest News from National Council 

National Council and associated Action Groups are currently working hard on a number of key areas. These are the Therapeutic Goods Act (TGA), a review of the CPD program, a review to the Statement of Rules and Purposes and finalisation of the Orthosis Schedule for Private Health Insurance. Educational materials on the TGA have been added to the website, including the AOPA TGA Position Paper. 

The CPD program information and documentation is also available via this website and we encourage all members to join and participate in this program. Please visit this part of the site regularly for a summary of current activities and access to new information when available.

The AOPA is also pleased to announce three successful Professional Enhancement Grant (PEG) applicants for this quarter . . . .