Orthoptics

Orthoptists are Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), who work as part of the Ophthalmology team. They specialise in assessing, diagnosing and managing squints, binocular vision defects and eye movement abnormalities. They see children and adult patients and often work closely with other healthcare professionals, including Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. Orthoptists are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). The British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) is the professional body for Orthoptists within the UK.

Orthoptists are 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 how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. These can be caused by issued 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. You can find out more information about these conditions here. Some patients will benefit from squint surgery or botulinum toxin injections, the Orthoptist will arrange appointments with the Ophthalmologist to discuss this as required.

They also commonly work with patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke, brain tumours or multiple sclerosis, as part of a wider multi professional team. They help patients to manage the visual symptoms of their condition and provide advice for the visual and general rehabilitation of these patients.

All Orthoptists are qualified with a substantial core body of knowledge and expertise. However, their role has grown, and many continue to train and study to gain an even wider knowledge base. Orthoptists within our department have extended roles in stroke and low vision.

We often receive referrals from GP, Optician, health visitor, school nurse or via the stroke referral pathway.