Ophthalmology (eye diseases and disorders) at The Children's Hospital at Westmead

The Department of Ophthalmology at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead provides tertiary services for children in NSW. It encompasses all the aspects in the treatment of ophthalmology, including:

• General Ophthalmology
• Amblyopia and strabismus
• External eye disease
• Medical and surgical retina
• Ocular oncology
• Cataract
• Glaucoma
• Oculo plastic and orbital
• Genetic and
• Specialised testing, including electrophysiology and visual field assessment

The Department provides services to patients attending the Emergency Department, consultations on inpatient units and examination of eyes under anaesthesia for children under the care of other teams.

There has been an increase in the complexity of cases – such as retinoblastoma, cataracts, glaucoma and neurophthalmology and genetic eye disease.

Referrals

Download the referral form and fax to (02) 9845 3949

Orthoptic Department

The Orthoptic Department offers assessment of visual acuity, visual fields, strabismus, eye movement and binocular function. Specialised visual electrophysiology tests, such as electroretinograms and visually evoked responses are performed as well as fundus photography and paediatric contact lens instruction. Ongoing orthoptic management is offered for children requiring management for conditions such as Amblyopia and strabismus. The Department runs the largest paediatric electrophysiology department in the State.

The Orthoptic Department works closely with the Ophthalmology Department and together these two departments form the Eye Clinic. The Orthoptic Department conducts dedicated orthoptic clinics as well as servicing all Ophthalmology clinics. The two departments work side by side in supporting each other and ensuring patients receive the best possible care.

Eye Clinic

The Eye Clinic is an outpatient service and sees a wide range of patients. Clinics are not typically subspecialised, however consultants who have additional training or experience in a particular condition tend to see the majority of children with this condition. Specific clinics include Ophthalmology and Genetics and a combined Ophthalmology glaucoma clinic. There are eight to nine consultant run clinics each week, as well as 408 orthoptic clinics and electrophysiology clinics.

The Eye Clinic is also involved in running high priority State-wide Eyesight Preschool Screening (StEPS) program clinics. The Children's Hospital at Westmead operates these clinics across three sites – Westmead, Mt Druitt and Campbelltown.

The Eye Clinic has a close relationship with many departments across the CHW including:

• Oncology
• Craniofacial
• Neurology
• Genetics
• Newborn follow up clinic.