Introduction to the Orthoptic Department Kathryn Coulthard |
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The Orthoptic Department |
The department treats conditions such as squint, double
vision, and lazy eyes. If a child or adult has a squint, double vision or specific types of reduced vision or abnormal eye co-ordination, they will be assessed by the Orthoptist. The aim of orthoptic tests is to: |
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Orthoptists |
| Orthoptists work both in the hospital and in the Community. Children may be seen at their local Health Centre or Nursery School or School . This service varies across the country, but a child’s G.P., Health Visitor or School Nurse, will be able to advise on the local service available. Children seen in the hospital are referred by their G.P. or other medical personnel.AdultsAdults are seen in a hospital setting and will be referred by their G.P. or other medical personnel. |
What is a squint |
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A squint is the condition when the right and left eye look in different directions. So, while one eye seems to look straight ahead, the other will appear to look left or right, or up or down see.
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a squint...each eye looks in a dfferent direction |
Lazy eye (amblyopia) |
Visual development occurs rapidly in the early years of life and continues until approximately 7 - 8 years of age. If the back of the eye and the brain do not receive a clear focused image during this time of visual development, vision will be reduced. Hence the term ‘lazy eye’. If treatment is not given before age 7-8y, the affected eye will never see perfectly. See However, many older children do benefit from treatment Arch 11 |
See links
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| The address of this site ('org' changing to 'nhs') is changing from http://www.goodhope.org.uk/departments/eyedept/ to http://www.goodhope.nhs.uk/departments/eyedept/ |
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