Orthoptics at Sanderstead Clinic
This is one of our community orthoptic clinics, run by the orthoptist and optometrist and we offer children’s orthoptic and optometry checks here.
It is a smaller clinic and much quieter than our main base at Croydon University Hospital. It is particularly suitable for children with special needs who do not need to see the eye doctor.
There is parking outside and the clinic is accessible by public transport.
The waiting area is shared with other services so we do not have space for a play area.
What is Orthoptics?
Orthoptics is the diagnosis, management and treatment of strabismus (squint), eye movement disorders and visual development problems.
Orthoptists are specially trained health professionals and we work alongside optometrists and doctors (ophthalmologists) as part of the eye team.
We are specialists in assessing eye movements and vision and work with patients of all ages. We can use a variety of tests and methods to assess vision even if your child is very young or has special needs.
You can find out more on our orthoptic department page.
What happens at the appointment?
Your child will be seen by the orthoptist at their first visit. We will ask you about any concerns you may have with your child’s eyes and for information about their general health, any family history of eye problems and their birth history. We will assess your child’s vision, even if they are too young to know letters, and check if their eyes are working together.
We can adapt our testing for babies and very young children, and for those with special educational needs or disabilities.
For your child’s first visit it is likely you will also see the optometrist for a glasses check. These tests require drops in the eyes to dilate the pupils first. The drops allow us to check accurately for glasses and give a good view inside the eyes.
The eye drops (cyclopentolate) usually take around 30-60 minutes to work. Your child's near vision will become blurry for around 3-4 hours and they may become sensitive to sunlight. It is therefore advisable to bring sunglasses/sunhat.
The effects of the drops wear off within 24 hours. Please note, parental consent is required for eye drops.
Your child will then be examined by the optometrist and together the team will provide you with a diagnosis and treatment/management plan, if required.
Please allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for your child's first appointment. The second appointment (orthoptist only) usually takes 20 - 30 minutes.
For some children, we can split the appointments up over different days and can give you the drops to use at home before attending if one long appointment is too much for them.
We are happy to discuss this with you if you think it would be helpful for your child
Any Questions?
Please contact us if you have any questions about your appointment or if you wish to discuss your child’s needs before you attend. The easiest way to get in touch is to email us: moorfields.croydonorthoptics@nhs.net or you can call on 0207 702 5544