Orthoptic Service

Orthoptists are Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), registered with the Health Professionals Council who specialise in assessing, diagnosing and treating a variety of eye conditions including vision problems, eye movement disorders, squints and double vision.

Orthoptists work closely with ophthalmologists (eye doctors), optometrists (opticians), health visitors, school nurses, paediatricians, social services and the voluntary bodies. Joint appointments are often arranged to provide a co-ordinated approach to the management of a patient’s condition.

The Orthoptic Service also manages the Visual Fields Service. Assessment is carried out by a skilled operator using an automated field analyser. Patients who have certain eye conditions such as glaucoma, are often referred to have their visual fields assessed. Some patients with a general medical condition such as head injury or stroke may also be referred for analysis.

Clinics are held across six sites in the Trust:

• Antrim Area Hospital
• Ballymena Health and Care Centre
• Causeway Hospital
• Mid Ulster Hospital
• Moyle Hospital
• Whiteabbey Hospital