Information for commissioners2018-08-01T14:34:13+01:00

Orthoptists positively contribute to the NHS outcomes framework in a number of ways

  • Orthoptists identify signs which indicate life threatening conditions such as discreet or subtle eye movement disorders in brain tumours, diabetes and those at risk of stroke

  • Orthoptists assess, diagnose, treat and monitor visual impairment associated with long term conditions including multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, special educational needs and learning disabilities.

  • Orthoptists treat double vision, give eye exercises and compensatory strategies and advice in patients recovering from traumatic brain injury ocular trauma, stroke or those who have fallen.

  • Orthoptists make reasonable adjustments for our patients, tailoring the assessment to their needs by providing orthoptic services in the community, closer to home, intermediate care facilities, in patients homes. orthoptists improve communication by working within health, educational and social care multi professional teams and working across organisational boundaries.

  • Orthoptists raise awareness of visual problems and treat visual defects for those people at risk of falling or who have fallen.

  • Orthoptists contribute to the public health outcome framework and public health agenda by offering preventative programmes:

    • Vision screening in children
    • Falls prevention
  • Educating patients on healthy lifestyle choices to improve outcomes for example:

    • Smoking cessation in patients with thyroid dysfunction
    • Dietary choices with patients with diabetes
    • Alcohol reduction advice in patients at risk of stroke
    • Promoting sight tests for those at risk of falling