Orthoptics
Orthoptists are allied health professionals that specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and non-surgical management of eye disorders. Orthoptists work closely with Ophthalmologists and are involved in the care of patients with eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, age related macular degeneration (AMD), and systemic or neurological vision disorders.
With specialty university training, orthoptists perform investigations using specialist technology to aid the Ophthalmologist in the diagnosis and best treatment for eye conditions. This can include pre and post-operative care of patients undertaking cataract surgery. In this scenario, the orthoptist is responsible for determining the patient’s potential visual outcome and surgical calculations including the optical lens to be inserted during eye surgery.
Orthoptists possess a unique set of skills in eye health and have an important role in promoting better quality of life in patients with vision problems.
Our services
- Visual acuity assessment
- Intraocular pressure
- Ultrasonography (A-scans)
- Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- Topography
- Visual field testing
- Management programs for those with conditions such as refractive error, double vision, neurological disorders and ocular motility disorders, as well as aiding in the rehabilitation of impaired vision
How to access this service
To access this service, your GP or medical practitioner will need to send a referral letter to the hospital.
If there is a waiting list, you will receive a confirmation letter and be advised on what to do next. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment.
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Private health insurance card (if you have one)
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing and mobility aids
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
- Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
- Something to read or do while you wait
- An adult carer to support you and take you home
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney (if you have one)
- A jacket or cardigan in case you get cold
Additional information
- During your appointment you will have eye drops put in which dilate your pupils (make the pupils large). These drops can last for several hours causing blurring of vision and increased sensitivity to glare. This means you will be unable to drive following your appointment. Please arrange to have someone else drive/take you home.
- Please bring a pair of sunglasses to your appointment to help with the increased sensitivity to glare following your appointment.
- Please bring all glasses to your appointment.
- During your appointment we aim to complete all tests and assessments within the same visit so please allow up to 3 hours for your appointment.
Contact us
Orthoptics
Location: STARS, 296 Herston Road, Herston
Phone: (07) 3647 7111
Email: STARS-orthoptics
Need help outside hours?
Call , and we will be able to help you.