Orthoptic

What is an Orthoptist?

Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, calledbinocular 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.

You can read about some of the more common condition and treatments here.

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. This enables them to perform much more specialist, advanced or extended roles.

About our service

Paediatric Orthoptic Service:

The paediatric orthoptic service is based in the Treehouse Unit, Stepping Hill Hospital.

Adult Orthoptic Service:

The orthoptic adult service is based in Outpatients B at Steeping Hill Hospital.

LVA Orthoptic Service:

The Adult Low Vision service is based in Outpatients B at Steeping Hill Hospital.

Community Orthoptic Service:

Community orthoptic clinics are also run in the following clinics around Stockport and Buxton:

• Adswood Clinic
• Bramhall Health Centre
• Brinnington Health Centre
• Heald Green Health Centre
• Heaton Norris Health Centre
• North Reddish Clinic
• Shaw Heath Health Centre
• Woodley Clinic
• Buxton Health Centre
• Cavendish Clinic
• Chapel Health Centre
• New Mills Clinic

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 mediation.
• 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.