Patients are referred to the department for a variety of reasons, for example:
- Squint
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Suspected low vision
- Failed eye test
- Reading difficulties/dyslexia
- Low vision aid assessment for children with visual impairment
- Visual assessment of children and adults with communication difficulties and special needs
- Glaucoma monitoring
The type of treatment depends on the individual needs which are identified at initial and subsequent assessments. These may include:
- Occlusion therapy
- Exercises
- Use of prisms
- Glasses
- Pre and post-operative care
Most referrals would come from a consultant ophthalmologist, via a GP, health visitor, school nurse or optician, or from within the hospital from for example the stroke unit or maxillo-facial team.