Combined Orthoptic / Optometry Clinic

Your child has been referred to the combined Orthoptic and Optometry clinic by your health visitor, general practitioner (GP), optometrist (optician), and school nurse or has been transferred from another hospital.

Why does my child need to attend this clinic?

The health care professional who referred your child is concerned about a possible eye problem. Your child needs to be examined to see if there is an eye problem and what treatment may be necessary. Starting treatment sooner usually improves the chances of success.

Who will my child see?

Your child will be seen by an Orthoptist and then by an Optometrist. They frequently assess babies and young children so don’t worry that your child is too young to co-operate.

What does the Orthoptist do?

The Orthoptist will test your child’s sight. It is important that each eye is tested separately. Special glasses or a patch will be used to cover the eye not being tested. The Orthoptist will then check whether your child’s eyes are working together as a pair using a range of child friendly tests. The Orthoptist will put some drops into your child’s eyes before you see the Optometrist.

Why will my child be given eye drops?

The drops will enable the Optometrist to check the inside of your child’s eyes (fundoscopy) and to determine if glasses are required now or may be likely in the future (refraction).

What do the drops do?

There are two different types of drops that may be used. The first drops are called Cyclopentolate. These drops will relax the muscles within the eye. This causes the pupil (black central part of the eye) to enlarge and the lens within the eye to temporarily lose its focusing power. If your child has very dark eyes, they may require a second drop called Phenylephrine. These drops work in the same way as the cyclopentolate drops and act with them to give a stronger effect.

How will the drops affect my child?

The drops will blur your child’s vision especially for close objects. Your child will be sensitive to bright lights therefore it is advisable that you bring some children’s sunglasses, a peaked cap or a sunshade to help with this.

Will my child be able to go back to school/childcare afterwards?

Yes, however your child will need close supervision until their vision returns to normal which may take up to 5 hours. The effect of the enlarged pupil may last for up to 48 hours. If your child is returning to nursery or school, please remember to tell the teacher/supervisor.

What will the Optometrist do?

The Optometrist will test your child to see if they need glasses or if they are likely to need them in the future (refraction). This is done by shining a beam of light into the eyes. Lenses are held up in front of the eyes at the same time to check the focussing power. This can be done in children of any age. The Optometrist will also look into your child’s eyes with a magnifying lens to make sure they are healthy (fundoscopy).

What if my child needs glasses?

If necessary the Optometrist will give you a prescription for a pair of glasses. This is also a voucher, which may cover or go towards the cost of the glasses. The glasses can be made up at any opticians.

How long will the appointment last?

A visit to this clinic can last up to 2 hours.

Will I have to bring my child for another appointment?

If the results of the tests are normal then your child may be discharged from the hospital’s care. If your child is very young we may need to see them again when they are older even if the tests are normal.

If a problem is detected it may require treatment by the Orthoptist, Optometrist and in some cases an eye doctor (Paediatric Ophthalmologist). We will tell you if your child needs any monitoring or treatment whilst you are at the clinic and we will make arrangements for any further appointments that are needed.

Where is the clinic held?

The clinic is held in the Eye Clinic Orthoptic Department at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. This is located opposite the multi-storey car park on ‘A’ floor through the Children’s Eye Clinic entrance (1A)

Car parking at the hospital and in the surrounding areas is very limited. It is recommended that you leave plenty of time to allow for parking before the appointment time or use public transport wherever possible.

What facilities are available for my child?

The children’s waiting room for the Orthoptic Department has toys and books, although these are limited. There is a baby changing facility and a WRVS café, which are located on the same floor.