An Orthoptist deals with patients of all ages but has a particular interest and expertise in the very young and the elderly as they have a higher incidence of eye conditions. Orthoptists detect defects in visual acuity (ability to see objects clearly), squints (strabismus), near vision problems and binocular vision problems in young children, which if left untreated can affect the development and function of the visual system.

Orthoptists are specially trained professionals who identify, treat and give advice to patients who experience visual problems relating to head injury, stroke, neurological and degenerative neurological  impairments (related to the brain and nervous system), endocrine  and systemic conditions (related to glands), trauma to the face and brain tumours.  These patients may experience many visual symptoms including double vision, loss of the field of vision, abnormal eye movements and difficulties reading or performing normal visual tasks.

Orthoptists are Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and are registered with the HCPC

How to access Orthoptic Services

If you wish to seek referral to the Orthoptic Department about concerns for yourself or for your child then a formal referral to the clinic will be required. In the majority of cases this will be via:

• General Practitioner (GP)
• Local Optometrist
• Other Consultant

For specific services within the Orthoptic Department please view the appropriate web page as there maybe other routes to gaining a referral.

What happens once a referral has been made?

Once a referral is received by the Orthoptic Team this is first ‘logged’ on to the Trust system. It is then reviewed by a senior member of the clinical team to ensure the referral has been requested for the most appropriate clinical type. If this is not the case the referral will be redirected to the appropriate clinic.

How long will I have to wait for an appointment?

You have the right to treatment within 18 weeks under the NHS constitution, all patients have the right to begin a consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of being referred by their GP. The department is committed to fulfilling this right, but if you feel that we have failed to do so, please do not hesitate to contact the department (see Contact Information).