Special Educational Needs (SEN) Schools Orthoptic Eye Care Service

Change my appointment
x

Appointment Form

If you have been given an outpatient appointment at the hospitals and are unable to attend for whatever reason you can use the form below.

It is really important that you let us know of any changes as soon as possible. This means we can offer the original appointment to another patient.

Please complete the form below with your contact details and as much information as possible. You can find most of the information we need on your appointment letter.

If you have any problems using this form, please call the number on your appointment letter and we will do our best to help you. You will receive a response from us so you know it has been received and actioned.

If you wish to change the date and time of your appointment you, you can click the re-book option and state any dates that are not suitable for you, or you can contact us using the number on your appointment letter.

Our Service

Warrington Orthoptic department leads a Special School Eye Care Service across Warrington and Halton for children aged 4yrs - 19yrs within the SEN school. 

This service comprises of an Orthoptic Assessment and if necessary an Optometrist assessment and / or an appointment in school with a Consultant Ophthalmologist.

Why does my child need this assessment?

Studies have shown that there is higher incidence of vision related problems in children with special needs. These may go undetected. An Orthoptist is specially trained to identify any vision / eye problems.

What will happen at the assessment?

Orthoptic Assessment: This comprises of a vision examination of the child’s eyes using pictures, letters, and observations. They will show the child objects and vision cards and specially designed tests in order to establish how the child uses their eyes and their vision. An Orthoptist can measure a squint and look at how the eyes move. They specially trained to detect where the vision is best used. The outcome of their assessment will determine whether further tests need to be carried out. Parents do not need to attend this appointment but this can be arranged if preferred.

Optometrist Assessment: This examination requires the child to have eye drops instilled. This dilates their pupils, and temporarily stops them from focussing. The Optometrist will then make their assessment using a special light and lenses. This will establish whether the child needs glasses. They can also check the health of the eyes. Parents will be invited to attend if they wish.

Consultant Ophthalmologist Assessment: This examination may require the child to have eye drop. The Ophthalmologist will check the health of the child’s eyes using a special light. He will also offer advice on any further treatment that the child may require. Parents will be invited to attend if they wish.

How do I consent to this service?

Signed consent forms and questionnaires are required from all parents / carers of children who wish to access the Eye Care Service. These are sent out through school post in child’s school bag and must be completed in order for the assessment to take place.

Parent / Carers will be kept informed by a letter or telephone call of outcome of the child’s assessment.

Facilities

School Eye care Service is offered in the following Special Schools

Warrington:

Foxwood Special School

Green Lane Special School

Runcorn:

Cavendish High Academy

Widnes:

Brookfields Special School

Ashley Special School

Chesnut Lodge Special School

Who is the SEN team?

Judy De’Bell - Advanced Orthoptist Lead for Warrington SEN Services

Frances Midgley - Advanced Orthoptist Lead for Halton SEN Services

Rob Gargon - Specialist Orthoptist

Tracey Parry – Specialist Orthoptist

Frankie Reed – Specialist Orthoptist

We work closely with the Visual Impairment Teachers for Warrington and Halton Boroughs.

Useful Links

www.Nystagmus.org

www.down-syndrome.org.uk

www.rnib.org.uk

Back to Orthoptics