Orthoptics is the investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of eye movement disorders, defects of
binocular vision, and disorders of visual development.
The team of orthoptists at the Westminster
Eye Centre provide treatment for a range of eye disorders in both children and adults including:
• Amblyopia (sometimes referred to as “lazy” eye)
• Squint
• Defective binocular vision
• Abnormal eye movements
• Diplopia (double vision)
• Vision problems arising from stroke and acquired brain injury
The orthoptists are trained to offer a range of treatments in the management or correction of these
conditions which may include eye patches, eye exercises, prisms or glasses.
The orthoptic team work very closely with the ophthalmologists and run several joint specialist
clinics including paediatric, stroke/neuro-ophthalmology, and thyroid eye disease as well as
assessing children with special educational need in local special schools.
In addition to traditional orthoptic work our orthoptists have developed their skills within the wider
eye team and can be found performing extended roles within the glaucoma, oculoplastic and
medical retina clinics.
Orthoptists are experts in testing vision in babies and children of all ages and abilities, including
those with special educational needs and endeavour to ensure the experience is as comfortable
for the child as possible.
If you have a child with special educational needs, learning difficulties or autism and are worried
about attending the orthoptic clinic you can contact us on the number below for advice or to
request any reasonable adjustments that may help.
Orthoptic department: 01244 363003
(0830 – 1630 Monday – Friday)
For more information regarding orthoptics please see The British and Irish Orthoptic Society.
https://orthoptics.org.uk