Orthoptists specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, management and monitoring of a variety of eye disorders in both adults and children. The disorders can be caused by issues with the muscles around the eyes, or issues with the nerves enabling the brain to communicate with the eyes.
Orthoptists work with a variety of patients of all ages, including those with neurological conditions such as stroke, brain tumours or multiple sclerosis. They provide a range of treatment and management options for conditions causing blurred, double vision and oscillating vision (where objects appear to move even when they are still).
Many of us take our eyesight for granted, having any of these symptoms can make even simple everyday tasks very difficult and unpleasant, and in some cases unsafe. Patients may be provided with eye patches, eye exercises, prisms or glasses which can help to relieve symptoms and drastically improve quality of life.
The majority of Orthoptists are employed by the NHS in hospitals and community services, working with a wider team alongside Optometrists and Ophthalmologists.
If you are concerned about reduced vision, double vision, see a squint in the eye or changes in lid position then you should contact your GP or local optician for a referral to our service.
How to assess the service
The Orthoptic service operates on a referral system via:
- Local opticians
- General Practitioners (GP)
- Pre-school visual screening
- Health visitors
- Social workers
- Paediatricians
- Internal referral from other departments in the hospital.
More Information on Orthoptics
NHSGGC Orthoptic departments
Gartnavel General Hospital
Orthoptic clinic is located on the Upper Ground floor
Gartnavel General Hospital
1053 Great Western Road
Glasgow,
G12 ONY
0141 211 1042
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Orthoptic clinic is located on the 1st floor in clinic I.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 4TF
0141 201 3156
New Victoria Hospital
Orthoptic clinic is located on the 2nd floor in clinic M.
New Victoria Hospital
52 Grange Road
Glasgow
G42 9LF
0141 347 8516
Institute of Neurological Sciences
Orthoptic clinic is located on the ground floor in area 5
Institute of Neurological Sciences building
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 4TF
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Queen Elizabeth Building
Alexandra Parade
Glasgow
G31 2ER
0141 211 6318/6319
Stobhill Hospital
Orthoptic clinic is located on level 2
Stobhill Hospital
133 Balornock Road
Glasgow
G21 3UW
0141 3551577
Royal Hospital for Children
Orthoptic clinic is located
Royal Hospital for Children
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 4TF
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Orthoptic clinic is located
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Corsebar Road
Paisley
PA2 9PN
0141 314 9706
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Orthoptic clinic is located
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Larkfield Road,
Greenock
PA16 OXN
01505 504505
Vale of Leven District Hospital
Orthoptic clinic is located
Main Street
Alexandria
G83 0UA