Orthoptics

Referrals are received into the department from GP’s, opticians, health visitors, school health advisors, SENCO’s, teachers, teachers for the visually impaired, rehabilitation officers, paediatricians, all other therapists and healthcare professionals.

Clinics are provided in our hospital and in the community.

Referrals are triaged by a qualified Orthoptist and may be directed to an ophthalmology led clinic, orthoptic led clinic, community clinic or to one of the specialist teams. 

The department consists of orthoptists (advanced and specialist), supported by orthoptic assistants and administration staff.

The team work closely with staff in other specialisms including ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons to monitor and treat patients.

• Head Orthoptist - Sonia MacDiarmid - Sonia.macdiarmid@nhs.net
• Deputy Head Orthoptist - Kate Greenwood - kate.greenwood4@nhs.net 

Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. These can be caused by issues with the muscles around the eyes or defects in the nerves enabling the brain to communicate with the eyes.

Orthoptists see patients with a wide range of conditions affecting their vision. Patients may be directly experiencing symptoms such as blurred, oscillating or double vision, or they may exhibit outward signs, such as misalignment or uncontrolled movement of the eyes or abnormal head positions.

They are trained to offer a range of treatments in the management or correction of these conditions. This may include eye patches, eye exercises, prisms or glasses.

They have been specially trained to obtain a vision assessment from children or adults who are unable to verbally communicate, so if your child is unable to speak the assessment can still be carried out.

Orthoptists are Allied Health professionals (AHP’s) and are registered with the HCPC.