Orthoptic and Optical Services

Drops may be necessary in order for the ophthalmologist or optician to examine a child's eyes more fully.

These drops will relax the focusing muscles in the eyes and dilate (widen) the pupils and may take up to 40 minutes to work.

These drops will cause blurriness for near sight and sensitivity to light, which may last up to 24 hours, so please bring a sun hat or sunglasses for them to wear after the examination.

Children are usually fine to return to school and parents should inform the teacher that their child's eyes may be temporarily blurred for close work and sensitive to bright light.

Orthoptists investigate, diagnose and treat vision problems and eye movement disorders such as:

• Lazy eye (amblyopia)
• Squint
• Defective binocular vision
• Double vision (diplopia)

The majority of our work is with children under eight, as this is when the visual system is developing and will respond more readily to treatment. 

After this age adults can develop ocular motility problems. This can be longstanding but only becoming troublesome at a later date.

Ocular motility problems can also be associated with diseases such as:

• Stroke
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Auto immune processes
• When an injury occurs

We have a dedicated stroke clinic where we can assess visual fields.

We provide a Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) clinic where we look for eye signs that may be associated with reading difficulties in conditions such as Dyslexia. This can include the use of colour, tracking and visual perception. The patient must be at least 7.5 years of age to be able to undertake these tests.

Optometrsits assess, examine and prescribe glasses, contact lenses and low vision aids for patients.

They also work with the consultants to provide Age Related Macula Degeneration (ARMD) Clinics, and Glaucoma clinics.

If it is your first visit to our department then please report to the Eye Clinic reception.

Please bring with you any glasses you use, and any medication you are taking. 

You will be examined by an orthoptist, who will explain your condition and any treatment that may be necessary.

They may also arrange further consultation and/or test(s), which may be carried out by a consultant ophthalmologist or an optician.

You may be booked into a specific clinic where there are two appointments. The second appointment may be with an optometrist or the consultant ophthalmologist. Please ensure you attend both appointments.