What is the term for the discipline of dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of defective eye conditions without medical or surgical methods?

The term for the discipline that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of defective eye conditions without resorting to medical or surgical methods is orthoptics. This field primarily deals with conditions such as strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye), utilizing non-invasive techniques like eye exercises and vision training to improve visual function and coordinate eye movements. Orthoptists are trained to assess visual function and develop treatment plans that may involve exercises and therapies to help patients achieve better vision.

In contrast, optometry encompasses a broader scope that includes both the diagnosis and management of vision problems and the prescribing of corrective lenses, while ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that specializes in eye diseases and surgical interventions. Vision therapy, while similar to orthoptics, specifically refers to a therapeutic approach designed to improve visual skills and processing. Therefore, orthoptics is the most accurate term for the practice of addressing defective eye conditions through non-medical and non-surgical means.