Orthoptics

Introduction

What is an Orthoptist?

An Orthoptist is an allied health professional who is involved with the diagnosis and treatment of vision defects and eye muscle disorders. Here at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals our Orthoptists’ assess patients of all ages, from the very young to the elderly.

Who do the Orthoptists work with?

Our Orthoptists’ are supported by the ophthalmic care team and see people with eye problems such as amblyopia, which is the medical term for a “lazy eye, strabismus (squint) and double vision.

Our Orthoptists benefit from the expertise of the ophthalmic team as well as other medical professionals, to plan the overall management of each of their patients.

What tests will an Orthoptist perform?

When a patient is seen by the Orthoptist various observational and specialist tests are performed to assess the vision and binocular eye system, which enables the best form of treatment to be decided for each patient.

Most patients who have an orthoptic problem are also seen by an Ophthalmologist (specialist eye surgeon) to check the overall health of a patient’s eyes and to establish if glasses are required.

What treatments will the Orthoptist carry out?

Our Orthoptist may suggest an occlusion (patching) as a form of treatment, in the case of a ‘lazy eye’, or exercises may be instructed to strengthen some eye muscles which may be causing symptoms.

The Orthoptist will also carry out measurements required for any surgery an ophthalmologist is intending to carry out, for example surgery to rectify or ‘straighten’ a squint, and prism/occlusive lenses may also be prescribed to relieve double vision.

The treatment of a lazy eye involves patching and the wearing of glasses if needed, for example for the presence of long-sightedness. Patching involves covering the good eye to allow the vision in the weaker eye to improve. The Orthoptist will inform you of how long the patch must remain in place.

Why is it important to get my child’s eyes checked?

The age up to which vision can be improved is approximately 7-8 years old. Therefore it is vital that your child is seen before this, so that any necessary treatment can be given.

Orthoptic Community Screening Clinics for Children

Secondary screening of children less than 5 years of age with possible squints, other eye muscle disorders and vision defects is carried out by the Orthoptist team in the North and North East Lincolnshire areas. We accept referrals from Health visitors, community doctors and GPs.

Referrals to the Orthoptist from paediatricians may be seen in the hospital or community clinics as appropriate.

Children attending the assessment group at the Child Development Centre (CDC) in Grimsby or Scunthorpe also have the opportunity to have an assessment by the Orthoptist, usually during one of their visits to the CDC.

Contact Us 

Our team is always on hand to offer guidance or support to our patients. Please contact us if you require any information about your appointment or treatment plan or for more information on our community screening clinics.