The department is responsible for all Orthoptic treatment in the area. The work also involves providing a visual field service, children's refraction service, screening children in special schools/units, low vision service and research work when the need arises.
The Department runs closely alongside the Ophthalmic Department
The most likely reasons for being referred to the Orthoptist are a suspected squint, reduced vision, abnormal eye movements, double vision or a combination of these problems.
- A squint
is when one eye appears straight and the fellow eye turns in, out, up or down.
- Reduced vision
may be due to the need for glasses and can occur in combination with a squint. Unless there is some obvious abnormality, there is often no indication that reduced vision is present until a formal test of vision is carried out.
- Abnormal eye movements, double vision.
We have two eyes, which we co-ordinate so that we move them together into different directions of gaze. A defect of eye movement can disrupt the co-ordination of the eyes and may cause a squint, eye-strain, double vision or a combination of these problems.
An Orthoptist is a health professional that specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of these eye conditions.
During your first appointment you will be seen by the Orthoptist who will check for the presence of any of the problems mentioned above. The range of tests carried out will depend upon the nature of the suspected problem. Testing will usually take 30 minutes. The Orthoptist will explain the results of the assessment to you and advise you of whether an eye problem is present.
If you/your child does not have a ‘joint’ appointment the Orthoptist will arrange the next appointment.
- For an adult this will be with the Ophthalmic Consultant. The urgency of the appointment will depend upon whether a problem has been found and the type of problem that is present.
- For a child, if the Orthoptist confirms the presence of a problem, an appointment with the Ophthalmic Consultant will be arranged. The urgency of the appointment will depend upon the type of problem that has been found. If the Orthoptist does not detect a problem, a routine appointment with the hospital Optician will be arranged; however, if the child is under 2½ years old the appointment will be with the Ophthalmic Consultant.
The Ophthalmic Consultant/Optician will examine the interior of the eye to determine whether the eye is healthy and exclude any eye disease. With children the Ophthalmic Consultant/Optician will also examine the eye to determine whether glasses are needed. The results of the assessment will be explained to you.
It is usually necessary to put drops into each eye so that these tests can be carried out accurately. The drops temporarily dilate the pupil of the eye and prevent proper focusing.
- For an adult, we will give the drops. You are advised not to drive until the effect of the drops has ‘worn off’; this usually takes several hours.
- For a child, if your child is seeing the Ophthalmic Consultant on the first visit we will give the drops. If you are to attend with your child for a second appointment we ask you to give the drops into your child’s eyes prior to attending. We will give you the drops at your first visit with full instructions on how to give them.
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