Orthoptists are Allied Health Professionals who are trained to investigate, diagnose and treat eye movement and visual development disorders. This includes squint (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), refractive errors (long sight, short sight and astigmatism) and double vision (diplopia).
Our orthoptists work closely with the consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic technicians and nurses and are part of a multi-disciplinary team including support workers from the Kent Association for the Blind and advisory teachers for children with visual impairment.
There are clinics at Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Medway hospitals and the team aim to see patients in the clinic most convenient to them. However some specialist and adult clinics only run at Maidstone Hospital so this is not always possible.
The department have extended specialist training in the assessment of stroke patients, glaucoma, children with visual impairment, children with multiple special needs and people with specific learning disabilities, e.g. visual stress and tracking problems associated with dyslexia.
Making an appointment
If you suspect your child has a squint, reduced vision or lazy eye or you develop double vision you should see your GP or optician. If they decide that your eye condition needs to be investigated by eye specialists they will arrange a referral to Ophthalmology department or another eye care provider. If you choose to be treated by us you will be sent a letter confirming the date, time and location of your appointment.
If your GP or optician decides that you need to be seen urgently they will contact the Rapid Access Clinic in the eye unit to discuss your condition with an ophthalmic practitioner to arrange an appointment.
If your child attends a primary, infant or special school in Kent or Medway they will be offered a routine eye test by the school nursing team during their reception year. If your child fails their school eye test, they will be referred to a Trust eye clinic.
Contact information
Orthoptic department, EEMU (Ear, Eye and Mouth Unit)
Maidstone Hospital
Hermitage Lane
Maidstone ME16 9QQ
Clinics – Monday to Friday
Appointment enquiries – 01622 226236
Orthoptic department, Eye Clinic
Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road
Tunbridge Wells TN2 4QJ
Clinics – Monday to Thursday
Appointment enquiries – 01622 228218
Orthoptic Department, Eye Unit
Medway Hospital
Windmill Road
Gillingham ME7 5NY
Clinics – Monday to Friday
Appointment enquiries – 01622 228218