Orthoptics

Orthoptics is a specialised branch of healthcare dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis and management of binocular vision disorders, eye movement abnormalities, and related conditions.

Orthoptists play a crucial role in treating conditions related to visual development and coordination, such as strabismus, amblyopia, and the diagnosis and management of patients experiencing symptoms such as double vision. Orthoptists are highly trained professionals who assess and treat these conditions, often working closely with optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other healthcare professionals.

They assess and diagnose patients with a wide range of conditions and offer a range of treatments, including eye patches, eye exercises, prisms or glasses as part of clinical management plans. They also commonly work with patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke, brain tumours or multiple sclerosis and in low vision clinics.

Our orthoptists are employed by the NHS and work in Stepping Hill Hospital, community eye services and special and mainstream schools.

Vision screening, recommended by the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC), is carried out in all Stockport Primary Schools to detect amblyopia, which is more commonly known as a “lazy eye”. Amblyopia is when the vision in one or both eyes doesn’t develop properly. It is estimated that 1 in 50 children will develop this condition.

Children are usually unaware that their vision is weaker than normal in one or both eyes. There are often no visible signs, so problems can easily go unnoticed, especially when the amblyopia only affects one eye.

The most common causes of amblyopia are refractive error (the need for glasses) and strabismus (a squint, turn of the eye). If amblyopia is left undetected, it can result in permanent reduced vision.

How to use the service:

A referral from your GP or another health professional is required to access the Orthoptic Service.

• You will have received a letter with details of your appointment, including the place of the appointment. Prior to the appointment please think about the problems you are currently experiencing and any questions you may have for the day. On the day of the appointment please ensure you bring any glasses you wear and details of any current medication.
• On arrival to the clinic you will be required to let the receptionist know you are here. You may be required to wait a short time before the orthoptist calls you from the waiting area. At the start of your appointment the orthoptist will ask you a number of questions relating to your health and your current problems.
• Once the orthoptist has a clear idea of your problem they will carry out a number of assessments to come to a clear diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is obtained the orthoptist may give you some treatment or may wish you to undergo further assessment or see another professional.
• You will be sent another appointment if you need to attend for further tests or for your treatment to be monitored.