Orthoptists are specialists in the development of vision in children, in eye movement anomalies and in binocular vision (the use of the eyes together). The Orthoptic Department provides expert assessment and treatment of childhood vision defects as well as strabismus (squint) and disorders of eye movement in both adults and children. We also provide assessment of adults and children experiencing visual symptoms when reading that do not improve with glasses, and for children with specific literacy difficulties identified by the Education Service.

Clinics are provided for adults and children at St Helens Hospital as part of the Eye Clinic. Children's clinics are also provided at a number of health centres across St Helens and Knowsley. Referrals are accepted from GPs, Health Visitors, School Health, Educational Services and other medical professionals. Additionally, parents are able to self-refer into the children's Orthoptic Service by contacting the department.

The department also provides vision screening services for all children in reception classes in Knowsley and Halton, and for children of all ages within special schools.

​http://www.orthoptics.org.uk/

https://www.optical.org/index.cfm