Neuro-Orthoptics / Ophthalmology Clinical Advisory Group
- Co-Chairs: Jo Adeoye and Victoria Smerdon
- Email: [email protected]
About the Clinical Advisory Group
The Neuro-Orthoptics / Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) is open to all members who have an interest in Neuro-Ophthalmology. This group will specifically cater for those that are actively involved in or wanting to develop dedicated out-patient orthoptic services and pathways for the assessment, treatment and monitoring of patients with neurological conditions e.g. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), Headaches, Space Occupying Lesions (e.g brain tumours), Demyelinating Disease (e.g Multiple Sclerosis) aswell as neuro-muscular conditions (e.g Myasthenia Gravis) and patients under investigation for ocular motor disturbances of unknown aetiology. These are patients that do not come under the remit of Neuro-Rehabilitation and members are directed to the Stroke and Neuro Rehab CAG for this.
Aim
To promote the specialist and extended roles of the Orthoptist in Neuro-Ophthalmology and support Orthoptists in developing their roles in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with specific neuro-ophthalmic conditions as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team.
Purpose
- To share best practice and aim to develop evidence based care pathways for assessment and monitoring of ophthalmic signs of neurological conditions.
- To develop, maintain and signpost sources of information for patients for ophthalmic signs/ symptoms of relevant neurological conditions.
- To review and communicate relevant literature/ research evidence to members
- To signpost, interpret and respond to relevant national guidance for neurological conditions.
- Provide a communication network/ forum for those with an interest in Neuro-Ophthalmology.
- To encourage high quality research and audit in Neuro-ophthalmology/ Orthoptics and develop and support collaboration between orthoptists in the UK and Ireland..
- To provide CPD opportunities for orthoptists with an interest in Neuro-Ophthalmology in the form of an annual Study Day and sign posting to relevant conferences and articles.
Mission Statement
We will ………
- Champion the specialist and extended roles of Orthoptists as Neuro-Ophthalmic Practitioners.
- Encourage and support collaborative working, continued professional development and sharing of information between orthoptists and other professionals to ensure that our service users receive high quality, person-centered neuro-ophthalmic care.
- Disseminate good practice and develop care pathways in the field of Neuro-Ophthalmology/ Orthoptics through evidence, service review and use of other reliable sources.
Neurological Conditions
People with neurological conditions have a much higher incidence of eye and vision problems. These problems may include:
- Reduced vision (may include changes to colour and contrast)
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Visual field loss
- Problems with eye movement
- Nystagmus (constant uncontrolled eye movement)
- Changes to visual perception
Orthoptists are experts in assessment of such problems and can usually offer treatment and advice to alleviate symptoms.