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.
About the team
The department is staffed by 8 full-time and 5 part-time members of staff and 3 receptionists. They work across a number of hospital sites.
The Orthoptic department is a teaching department for undergraduate orthoptists and a range of medical and other health professionals. They will always ask your permission to be tested by students, who are always supervised by trained staff.
Types of clinics offered by the service
Adult clinics
- General orthoptics
- Adult motility
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Stroke
- Acute Referral patients (eye casualty).
Paediatric clinics (children)
- General orthoptics
- Orthoptic and optometrist
- Visual stress
- New visual assessment (pre-school screening).
Institute of Neurological Science clinics
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Myasthenia Gravis.
- Neuro-ophthalmology and Myasthenia Gravis.
Many of the clinics above are shared care clinics with Ophthalmology Consultants.
Orthoptic clinic locations
Gartnavel General Hospital
- Upper Ground, Orthoptic Department
- On entering main entrance, using stairs or lifts go to upper ground level. Follow signs to Orthoptic department and report to reception desk.
New Victoria Hospital
- Clinic M, Orthoptic Department
- On entering main entrance, take the lift to level 2 and turn to the left. Follow signs for clinic M and report to reception desk.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
- Clinic I, 1st floor
- On entering main entrance go to 1st floor; turn left through double doors and it is the first clinic on the left.
Institute of Neurological Sciences
- Clinic 5
- On entering main reception, check in to reception desk on right hand side, and go to clinic 5 waiting area through 2 sets of double doors.
Child Development Centre
Referral information
The Orthoptic service operates on a referral system via:
- Local opticians
- General Practitioners (GP)
- Pre-school visual screening
- School nurses
- Health visitors
- Social workers
- Paediatricians
- Internal referral from other departments in the hospital.
Contact information
Head of Department: Marie Cleary
Call: 0141 211 1042, Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm
What to expect on arrival
New child appointments
All new patients will have Orthoptic assessment which will last 15-30 minutes. On consent eye drops will be instilled before seeing the Optometrist for the sight test (more information regarding the drops will be provided on assessment). The drops will enlarge the pupil and in order to do so it takes 30-45 minutes to work. This will allow the Optometrist to have an accurate assessment of the back of the eye and to determine if a prescription for glasses is necessary which will likely take around 15 minutes. The first appointment is always longer.
New adult appointments
All new adult patients will have an Orthoptic assessment which typically lasts between 30-45 minutes. If necessary eye drops may be instilled to enlarge the pupil allowing a thorough assessment of the eye by the doctor. It is advised on your first visit not to drive to your appointment as the drops will blur your vision. Doctor examination time varies dependent on patient and clinic.
What to bring along to appointment
Please bring along the following:
- A list of current medications
- Any current glasses used (for near and distance)
- Appointment letter.
Vision Screening (Compulsory, with opt-out option available)
Why do we do vision screening?
Vision Screening is carried out in pre-school age children, within the School year prior to starting Primary School. There is evidence base on the reasoning for choosing this particular age group. Our assessment consists of checking child’s vision in either eye individually and eye movements. We have a variety of tests available for each aspect of testing.
Reasons why your child may be referred?
Once the child has been tested if they do not meet pass criteria we refer to either your local optician or ourselves. The likelihood of reason for referral will be that the vision was found to be reduced in one or both eyes, a difference in vision was found between the eyes and/or an abnormality of eye movements was noted.
What to expect on the first visit
Your child will first see an Orthoptist who will recheck visions in either eye and eye movements (similar tests to those carried out at the nursery) taking around 15-30 minutes. On consent eye drops to enlarge the pupils will be instilled before seeing the Optometrist for the sight test (more information regarding the drops will be provided on assessment). The drop takes around 30-45 minutes to work. This will allow the Optometrist to have an accurate assessment of the back of the eye and to determine a prescription is necessary which will likely take around 15 minutes. The first appointment is always longer.
**Times vary dependent on how the clinic is running**.
Did not attend
Greater Glasgow and Clyde
To cancel or change your appointments please telephone the number on your appointment letter. This may allow us to give your appointment time to another patient. Please do not attend if you are unwell. Phone the department if you need advice we are always happy to help.
If you do not attend an appointment without telling the clinic in advance this will be recorded as Did Not Attend appointment. This is in line with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Did Not Attend and Cancellation Policy.
At around 4-7 months baby’s first tooth should appear. A baby who is attached well at the breast will be unable to bite down when they begin teething. The nipple is positioned far back into his or her mouth and the tongue will cover the lower gum. Ensuring baby is well attached is key.
As babies develop they become more inquisitive:
- Minimize distractions by dimming lights, turning off the TV or playing soothing music
- Try breastfeeding while walking or rocking, or find a quiet place.
Try to ignore other people’s opinions – all that matters is breastfeeding baby for as long as you can to give them the best start.
Reasons to breastfeed for baby
- Immune system – protects against infection and inflammation
- Bladder – protects against urinary infections
- Tummy – protects against serious infections an tummy bugs
- Lungs – less likely to be hospitalised with asthma when they are older
- Teeth – less likely to have tooth decay when they are older
- Ears – protects against ear infections
- Healthy weight – protects against diabetes when they are older.
What to wear when breastfeeding
- You don’t really need to buy anything to breastfeed, however, special nursing bras and ordinary items of clothing can make breastfeeding extra comfortable and easy when on the go.
- A good fitting breastfeeding bra will help to support your breasts and ensure easier access when feeding.
- Getting a new bra.
- Bra should never be so tight that it presses or squeezes breasts
- Under-wired bras are not advised due to the increased chance of blocking ducts and causing pain and inflammation
- Things to look out for in a nursing bra
- Four hook-and-eye fastenings, rather than the normal one or two
- Wider shoulder straps with a broad back and sides
- Cups that you can open and close with one hand
- It’s a good idea to be measured so that you know your bra fits properly
Days out and breastfeeding
Building Confidence
- The more you breastfeed when out and about, the more confident you’ll get
Planning to feed when out and about
- Slings and carriers are a great help for many mums, allowing them to carry their babies close to their bodies.
- This keeps their hands free and makes breastfeeding almost invisible.
- A loose top can enable feeding to be discreet, or a shawl or muslin draped over mum’s shoulder can ensure privacy.
- Attending a local breastfeeding group can be helpful to start feeding out and about as women are surrounded by like-minded mums and will receive support and advice.
Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme
- Breastfeeding friendly welcome schemes are in place throughout Greater Glasgow and Clyde
- The scheme sees stickers displayed to welcome women to breastfeed within premises and staff receiving awareness training.
- Many women report that these schemes helped them cross the threshold from home to out and about and allowed them to see and feel that their community would support their decision to breastfeed their baby.
Legal right to breastfeed
- It is women’s legal right to breastfeed wherever and whenever.
- Protected by the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005
- It is an offence to stop someone in a public place from feeding their child, if under two, with milk. The legislation allows for fines for preventing breastfeeding in public places.
Why Should I Breastfeed Past 6 Months?
What are the advantages for mum?
- Ongoing breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer
- Breastfeeding can help women lose weight by burning up to 500 calories a day.
- Breast milk is safely available at the right temperature whenever and wherever your baby is ready for a feed, making it really convenient.
- Breast milk is, of course, absolutely free and will save you a fortune because it never runs out. As your baby feeds, your body is busy making more milk.
What are the advantages for baby?
- Breast milk changes to meet your baby’s needs as they develop, and can respond to their surroundings to protect them from germs and bugs.
- Beyond the early years, breast milk also improves brain development and your baby’s future health by reducing their chances of conditions such as asthma, diabetes and obesity.
How Can I Prepare for Going Back to Work?
Some women give up on breastfeeding once they return to work,but this doesn’t have to happen.
Employers have a legal duty to support working, breastfeeding mums.
There are laws in place to protect breastfeeding working mums and many employers have special policies to make breastfeeding and expressing in the workplace as easy and as comfortable as possible.
To make sure your employer is ready to support you, you must write to them and let them know that you want to continue breastfeeding when you return to work -the earlier you let them know the better. Your employer will have to carry out a risk assessment to make sure it’s safe for you to breastfeed or express milk at work. Ideally, you should have access to:
- A clean, warm room with a low, comfortable chair. If you can’t lock the door, you should be able to put a sign on it to make sure nobody interrupts you. The toilet isn’t good enough!
- A plug socket point in case you are using an electric breast pump
- Nearby hand washing facilities
- A hygienic area where you can clean your pump and store your equipment
- A fridge for storing milk.
Preparing to Express Breast Milk at Work
- Speak to your childminder or nursery so they know how to store and use your milk.
- Have a chat with your employer -you may need more flexible working hours and breaks to fit with your baby’s feeding patterns.
- Find out more about the protection the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 gives you as an employee by following the link below.
Breast Milk Storage and Bottle Hygiene
Just like normal milk, breast milk must be stored carefully to stop it going sour.
Follow these tips to make sure none of your milk goes to waste.
Getting ready to express
- Wash your hands
- Make sure whatever you’re collecting your milk in is very clean and dry (you don’t need to sterilise it though -this is new advice in Scotland)
- Use a different container with a lid to store your milk. Again, check it’s clean and dry
Storage
- Label storage containers with the time and date to make sure you don’t use any spoiled milk
- Store your milk in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible
- Store at the back of the fridge and not in the door, away from meat products, eggs and uncooked food
Breast Milk Storage and Bottle Hygiene
Storage Times and Temperatures
- You can store your breast milk for up to 3 days in a fridge running below 10ºC
- Breast milk stored in a fridge running under 4ºC can be stored between 4 and 8 days
- Freeze your milk if you won’t be using it in time
- Keep an eye on the temperature of your fridge -opening the door frequently can make it rise. If there’s no built in thermometer, borrow or buy a fridge thermometer available from kitchenware stores
- Use a cool bag or box with frozen ice packs to transport milk.
Using Stored Breast Milk
- Defrost frozen milk in the fridge, but if you need it quickly it is safe to defrost under cool, then warm (not hot) running water.
- Dry the outside of the container with a clean towel or kitchen roll before use
- Use stored breast milk straight from the fridge
- To avoid overheating never use a microwave, always heat in warm water
- Use defrosted breast milk immediately -throw away anything unused
- If it smells sour, it has spoiled. Don’t use it!
- When stored the cream and milk may separate out. This doesn’t mean it’s spoiled -just gently mix it before use
- Use a very clean bottle, cup or syringe to feed your baby. There’s no need to sterilise. Just clean everything thoroughly in hot, soapy water and completely air dry, checking there’s no dried in milk or soap left behind.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood glucose (sugar) level to become too high.
There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2.
Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
Everyone with diabetes runs the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that may cause blindness or serious damage to eyesight.
As part of a national screening programme, anyone with diabetes over the age of 12 years is invited to have their eyes checked.
Visit NHSinform Website for more information about the screening programme.
To change your appointment, please phone 0141 277 7417 and one of our staff will be on hand to offer you a more convenient appointment time.
The day surgery unit provides a variety of procedures that can be accommodated as a day case (the patient does not have to be admitted to the hospital overnight).
These procedures may involve local anaesthetic, general anaesthetic or sedation.
A bone marrow transplant involves taking healthy stem cells from the bone marrow of one person and transferring them to the bone marrow of another person.
A bone marrow transplant has five stages:
- Physical examination: This is to assess your general level of health
- Harvesting: The process of obtaining stem cells to be used in the transplant
- Conditioning: Preparing your body for the transplant
- Transplanting the stem cells
- Recovery period: During which you’ll be monitored for any complications or side effects.
Patients can be in the hospital for approximately 6-8 weeks, on occasions longer. Patients are kept in isolation during this period to minimise risk of infection. This is a national service for all donor transplants (siblings and volunteer unrelated donors).
More information is available at:
This is the room in which a woman gives birth. It is specifically equipped to allow midwives to support the mother through the birthing process and differs from standard examination rooms.
The Community Maternity Unit has a birthing suite that is equipped with a birthing pool and partners/family can join the woman in the suite.
The information provided here is intended to help you find out what to expect during this difficult time, as well as providing information about some of the practical arrangements you will need to consider.
Due to the pandemic, some of the usual arrangements may have changed, however, support is still available.
Bereavement Support
Macmillan Information and NHS Bereavement Centre
Coronavirus: Dealing with bereavement and grief – Cruse Bereavement Care
NHSGGC Bereavement Support for Parents, Siblings and Staff
Call: 0141 370 4747
Email: GHsupport@childbereavementuk.org
Child Bereavement UK has been commissioned by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde with funding from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to provide bereavement support for families bereaved of a baby or child, and training to support NHSGGC staff.
Child Bereavement UK is a national charity which supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
What can happen when someone is dying
This leaflet will guide you through what to expect and what can happen when someone is at the end of their life.
What can happen when someone is dying (Latest English language version)
Alternative language versions (please note these are the previous version of the booklet)
What can happen when someone is dying (Arabic)
What can happen when someone is dying (Mandarin)
What can happen when someone is dying (Polish)
What can happen when someone is dying (Punjabi)
What can happen when someone is dying (Urdu)
When Someone Has Died – information for you
When someone close to you dies, you may be unsure what to do. This leaflet will help you understand:
- What you need to do
- How you may feel.
NHSGGC Spiritual Care and the Chaplaincy Service
An NHS Healthcare Chaplain is always on-call and ward staff can arrange for them to be paged.
Other Local and National Services and Resources
Death Certification
Arrangements for Death Certification may have changed due to Covid-19. Local Authority websites should have the latest information from your area.
Disability information Scotland
Can offer advice on installing disability equipment, information on benefits and other services.
EQUIPU
EQUIPU is a service responsible for providing, delivering and installing a range of disability equipment supplied by health and social work services to disabled people living at home.
For further information or to arrange uplift contact:
Telephone. 0141 287 6300
Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief
Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief is working to make Scotland a place where there is more openness about death, dying and bereavement so that:
- People are aware of ways to live with death, dying and bereavement
- People feel better equipped to support each other through the difficult times that can come with death, dying and bereavement.
LifeLink
Lifelink offers a range of stress services for adults and young people in communities and schools across Glasgow City.
Living Life
Living Life is a free telephone service available to anyone over the age of 16 who is suffering from low mood, mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety.
NHS Inform
NHS Inform Bereavement area can help you find answers to your questions and guide you through the early days of your bereavement. It can also help you understand more of the experience of loss in the days that lie ahead.
Renfrewshire Bereavement Network
New grief and bereavement service for families in Renfrewshire. Visit the website for more information:
Richmond’s Hope – service to help bereaved children in Glasgow
Other Useful Websites
Quit Your Way stop smoking services offer free information, advice and support, including nicotine replacement therapy, to those who want to stop smoking.
To find out more about what our services can offer call the Quit Your Way service on 0800 916 8858 or visit:
If you have a fracture (broken bone) there are a number of ways your injury may be treated.
Virtual Fracture Clinic
You may initially be referred to a Virtual Fracture Clinic. This is a virtual clinic and patients do not need to physically attend.
An orthopaedic consultant and nurse will look at your notes and x-ray and contact you with advice. They may advise you to physically attend a fracture clinic or you will be given advice over the phone and discharged with the option to call if you need further advice or an appointment.
Following assessment you may be sent a letter and a leaflet with advice on your specific fracture.
Fracture Clinic
If you are given an appointment to attend a fracture clinic, an orthopaedic doctor will look at your notes, x-rays and talk to you about your injury. The clinics can be busy but the nurses will keep you up to date if waiting times are longer than expected.
It is helpful if you have something to eat before you come and take your normal medicines. It is also helpful if you bring a list of any medication you are currently taking.
Nurse Led Clinic
After an injury or in some cases after an operation you may be asked to attend to one of our nurse led clinics. These clinics are run by our specialist nurses who are very experienced and have had training in orthopaedic injuries and operations. If a doctor is needed the nurse can contact one to see you.
Adult Dermatology within Greater Glasgow and Clyde has a number of hospital departments including:
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (Area J, Second Floor)
- New Victoria Hospital (Clinic G, First Floor)
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary (Walton Building, Link Corridor)
- Stobhill Hospital (Clinic J, Second Floor)
- Royal Alexandra Hospital (First Floor)
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital
- Vale of Leven Hospital
- West Glasgow ACH / Yorkhill (First Floor)
Most dermatological conditions can be managed by your GP in Primary Care, but the main conditions which we manage in hospital dermatology include more severe variants of inflammatory skin diseases such as Psoriasis and Eczema, Acne and also skin cancers such as Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
We offer different treatments including creams and ointments, oral /injection treatments, ultraviolet phototherapy and skin surgery.
Some useful dermatology online patient links and self-help articles can be found on the following webpages:
When attending a Hospital Out Patient Clinic Appointment, please check the date and time on your letter or text message and arrive on time allowing for time to park as on site car-parking can be difficult or some distance away. You may consider attending by alternative means such as public transport or being dropped-off.
Most dermatology clinic appointments are around 10 to 15 mins. The time slot allocated is matched to the specific dermatology referral query from your GP and so other unrelated conditions may not be assessed or you may be asked to discuss these with your GP.
Senior Doctors, as listed on your appointment letter, supervise a whole team of specialist trainees and nurses so it may not always be necessary for you to see the named Consultant.
Dermatology can now use Virtual Consultations including photo images and video. You may be offered a Virtual or Digital Assessment and details on these services can be found here: