What we do

The orthoptic team investigates, diagnoses and manages uniocular and binocular vision defects and abnormalities of eye movement and alignment, in patients of all ages.

The orthoptists undertake primary vision screening of reception class children at schools in Sunderland and Seaham, and manage those referred for strabismus (squint), lazy eye (amblyopia) and other ocular defects such as nystagmus. Screening for pre-school children is also carried out.

Adult patients, often suffering with double vision, are seen in our specialised clinics, and we assess the stroke patients with visual symptoms on the ward at Sunderland Royal. The department is involved in training undergraduate orthoptists and other health professionals.

We also manage outreach clinics and secondary screening in South Tyneside, Peterlee, Washington, Hartlepool and Durham at the Durham Diagnostics and Treatment Centre.

Who we are

Rafaela Schelle 
Orthoptic Department Manager

Where we are based

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

How you can contact us

Tel: 0191 569 9064

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