Orthoptics

Orthoptic Department
Eye Clinic
Outpatients Level 2
Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay TQ2 7AA

Tel: 01803 655122
Appointments: 01803 656351
Email: Orthoptic Department

If you wish to contact Ophthalmology, please call 01803 655123.

What is Orthoptics?

Orthoptics is a profession which specialises in the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the visual system. Orthoptists assess patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke, brain tumours or multiple sclerosis. They help patients to manage the symptoms of their condition and can provide advice for the visual and general rehabilitation of these patients. Additionally, Orthoptist specialise in the treatment and management of childhood eye conditions such as amblyopia (reduced vision), childhood squints and nystagmus. Orthoptists are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council.

Your Orthoptist is a member of the hospital eye care team, which works closely with Ophthalmologists (Doctors) and Optometrists (Opticians).

Referrals are usually made through a GP, optician, health visitor or school nurse, or via the stroke referral pathway.

Orthoptists specialise in disorders of:

  • Eye Movement
  • Strabismus (Squint)
  • Binocular Vision (How the eyes work together)
  • Amblyopia (Lazy eye)
  • Eye socket injuries

Orthoptists in our department have extended roles into:

  • Glaucoma
  • Retinal diseases
  • Cornea
  • Paediatrics
  • Low vision
  • Stroke
  • Learning difficulties (adult and children services)
  • Reading difficulties

For more information see our information leaflet Orthoptist

For more information regarding Orthoptic, please visit the British and Irish Orthoptic Society website https://www.orthoptics.org.uk/

Home – British and Irish Orthoptic Society

The British and Irish Orthoptic Society is the professional body for Orthoptists. Orthoptists are registered Allied Health Professionals regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK and CORU will be the regulator in the Republic of Ireland.

Our clinics

The Orthoptic Department is based at Torbay Hospital, although it may sometimes be possible to arrange some appointments at one of our Community clinics.

  • Newton Abbot
  • Brixham
  • Dawlish
  • Paignton
  • Teignmouth
  • Totnes
  • Bidwell Brook School
  • Mayfield School
  • Oaklands Park School

Appointments

If you wear glasses (reading and/or distance), please bring these along to your appointment.

Routine Orthoptic appointments either last 20 or 40 minutes depending upon your eye condition. Your appointment will be longer if you have a joint appointment to see the Ophthalmologist and/or Optometrist on the same day. You may receive two/three text messages regarding your appointment times, please attend at the earliest clinic time provided.

You/your child may need to have drops put into your eyes on the day of your appointment. These dilate the pupil and blur vision. As your vision will be blurred for some time following the drops, it is advised that you do not drive yourself to your appointment and make alternative travel arrangements. Additionally, lights may appear brighter, and it is advised to bring a sunhat/sunglasses for yourself or child.

If you are unable to attend you/your child’s appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer someone else the appointment slot. In order to do this please call: 01803 656351.

Teaching department

Torbay Orthoptic Department is a teaching department for undergraduate Orthoptic students and other health professional staff. If students are present for your assessment, we will ask for your permission to be observed or tested by a student. Students will always be supervised by a clinical member of staff.