Orthoptists assess and diagnose disorders of vision, including binocular vision (how the eyes work together as a pair) and ocular motility (eye movements).
We offer treatment and management of those conditions where appropriate.
We see both children and adults in an outpatient setting and take referrals from consultants, GPs, health visitors, optometrists and other health professionals.
You may be assessed by a student with supervision by a qualified orthoptist.
It is important that you notify us immediately if you are unable to attend your appointment. This will help us to reschedule your appointment, and offer the appointment to another patient.
Please bring any pair of glasses that you wear. If you feel your vision has changed following your most recent pair of glasses, please bring your previous pair of glasses if possible.
If you have double vision, or significantly blurred vision, you should not drive until you have been assessed and advised that you are safe to legally do so.
Every effort will be made to refer you to a hospital that is near to your address. However, you may be referred to a specialist clinic where your suggested treatment is offered.
Orthoptists diagnose a range of conditions in adults including misalignment of the eyes (strabismus).
We may also support some patients with advice and support following a diagnosis.
Orthoptists specialise in binocular diplopia, which is double vision that is only present when both eyes are open, and resolves when one eye is closed. Symptoms of double vision may be caused by a misalignment of one eye. Orthoptists assess and diagnose the problem and sometimes refer patients to other health professionals when further investigation or treatment is required.
Orthoptists will advise of treatment options to resolve the double vision, which may include glasses, exercises, prisms, or in some cases surgery.
Orthoptists specialise in identifying visual impairments caused by stroke or brain injuries, both on the ward and in outpatient clinics.
Around 60% of patients who have a stroke will have a visual impairment, therefore, orthoptists have an important role in diagnosing and managing conditions.
Problems we diagnose include:
Patients are assessed to see if they would benefit from:
Advice is also given on:
Royal Derby Hospital
Level 2, Ophthalmology Outpatients
Kings Treatment Centre
Uttoxeter Road
Derby
DE22 3NE
Nearest entrance: 6 (near to King's Treatment Centre)
Nearest car park: 3
Ilkeston Community Hospital
Heanor Rd,
Ilkeston
DE7 8LN
Ripley Hospital
Sandham Lane,
Ripley,
DE5 3HE
Coleman Health Centre
Coleman Street
Alvaston,
Derby
DE24 8NH
For adults
The Treatment Centre
Belvedere Road
Burton on Trent
DE13 0RB
For children
Reception B
Queen’s Hospital Burton
Belvedere Road
Burton on Trent
DE13 0RB
Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital
Plantation Lane
Mile Oak
Tamworth
B78 3NG
Samuel Johnson Community Hospital
Trent Valley Road
Lichfield
WS13 6EF