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Orthoptics
Orthoptists investigate, diagnose and treat disorders of binocular single vision (e.g. squints) and problems relating to reduced vision. This may be due to amblyopia (lazy eye) and/ or the need for glasses.
Orthoptists are also involved with assessing for abnormal eye movements caused by a nerve palsy, injury to the eye or diseases affecting the muscles in the eye. Patients with eye movement problems often complain of diplopia (double vision).
A more detailed description of the role of the orthoptist can be found on the British Orthoptic Society| website.
If you think you need to see an orthoptist speak with your GP, health visitor or optometrist. Referrals can sometimes be arranged directly with the department, reducing the waiting time for an appointment.
An orthoptics appointment takes 20 - 30 minutes. If you or your child need to see the optometrist and/or ophthalmologist as well, the process may take up to three hours. This is because dilating eye drops generally need to be used for these two assessments, and these take half an hour to work.
How often you need an appointment will depend on your age, type of eye problem and treatment. Your orthoptist will tell you how regularly you need to attend and for how long.
Outpatient clinics for children and adults are held at the orthoptic department at the Oxford Eye Hospital and also at other sites in the Oxfordshire region.
We provide an orthoptic service to the following.
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Craniofacial Clinic
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Community Paediatrics
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Eight special schools around Oxfordshire
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Oxford Centre for Enablement
(a rehabilitation centre for patients post stroke / head injury)
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Neurology
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Stroke service
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Parents of children with a newly diagnosed visual impairment
(the orthoptist will liase with any other hospital or community services to ensure that families are supported and have access to the services they need)
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Patients with specific learning difficulties (dyslexia)
(children and adults with specific visual symptoms associated with reading, writing and spelling)
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School Vision Screening Service
The School Vision Screening Service began in January 2008 and is offered to all state and independent schools in Oxfordshire.
Ten orthoptists visit schools and test all new entrants in Reception/Foundation classes (4-5 years of age), with their parents' permission.
The test identifies any anomalies with reduced vision, and binocular vision (3D and eye movements). 10 percent of children can be affected by these eye conditions.
Orthoptists also perform visual field assessment.
We also hold orthoptic clinics at:
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Abingdon
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Banbury
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Bicester
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Didcot
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Thame
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Wantage
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Witney.
Most patients need to have their initial appointment at the Oxford Eye Hospital: please tell the orthoptist you see there if you would like to be seen at another clinic for subsequent appointments.