Orthoptics and Eye Exercises

Orthoptics refers to how well the two eyes work together as a team. Our principal optometrist, Professor Bruce Evans, is author of five editions of books on this subject and has lectured in many countries about orthoptics. He holds the Higher Qualification in Orthoptics of the College of Optometrists (Dip Orth). Professor Evans specialises in the non-surgical management of orthoptic (binocular vision) anomalies. This means that he will treat these problems, when possible, with eye exercises or glasses. For some orthoptic problems, surgery is the only appropriate treatment and in these cases Professor Evans will refer the patient to an ophthalmic surgeon.

The picture on the right shows some simple eye exercises which Professor Evans developed whilst Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Optometry in London. The exercises are now used by many optometrists and in hospital eye departments.

Most recently, Professor Evans has been researching the treatment of amblyopia, sometimes called “lazy eye”. His research adds to the body of evidence indicating that this condition can sometimes be treated in adults. Recent developments in contact lenses have also increased the possibilities for treating some types of amblyopia in children. For more information on this, please contact Professor Evans at the practice.

Another of our optometrists, Miss Claire O’Leary, also has a special interest in orthoptics and has taught on binocular vision courses at the Institute of Optometry in London. For more information about orthoptic investigation and treatment, please contact Professor Evans or Miss O’Leary at the practice.

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