Orthoptics

Henry Ford orthoptists are experienced in the diagnosis and orthoptic treatment of all eye movement disorders.

Orthoptics is an ophthalmic specialty that evaluates and treats eye movement disorders. The goal of orthoptic treatment is to help children and adults achieve binocular vision -- optimal vision with both eyes working together.

Coordinated care for eye movement disorders

Henry Ford treats eye movement disorders in patients of all ages. However, many symptoms of these disorders first appear in children. For this reason, our certified orthoptists work in conjunction with Henry Ford pediatric ophthalmologists – who treat eye movement disorders in both children and adults. Orthoptists can also provide non-surgical, orthoptic treatments for patients who need it.

Diagnosis of eye movement disorders

Using specialized examination techniques, the orthoptist performs a complete eye assessment that measures:

• Visual acuity (sharpness of vision)
• Eye movements
• Focusing ability
• Binocular assessment, or how well the eyes work together

Comprehensive orthoptic treatment

Based on the results of the diagnostic testing, the orthoptist then works with the pediatric ophthalmologist to develop a treatment plan. Our orthoptists are experienced in the nonsurgical, orthoptic treatment and monitoring of eye movement disorders, including:

• Amblyopia: The loss or lack of full visual development in one or both eyes. Amblyopia can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated.
• Convergence insufficiency: An inability to achieve convergence (turn the eyes inward) when reading or doing near activities. This can lead to diplopia (double vision) and eye strain when doing these activities.
• Strabismus: An eye muscle misalignment. Strabismus can result in the eyes crossing (esotropia), drifting (exotropia) or one eye being higher than the other.
• Diplopia: Also known as double vision. Diplopia can occur with strabismus and in some cases may be a sign of a more serious disorder.

For patients who have eye movement disorders but who are not candidates for surgery, orthoptic treatment may include:

• Special lenses (with or without prism therapy)
• Eye exercises
• Patching therapy

Orthoptic clinic

Henry Ford orthoptists also hold a regular clinic for patients who are currently under an ophthalmologist’s care and who have been referred for further evaluation. At this clinic, our orthoptists can help diagnose eye muscle disorders and alleviate symptoms of double vision.

At Henry Ford, patients come first.

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology is committed to providing our patients with compassionate, personalized care. We feature the most advanced treatments in eye care and are dedicated to vision research – always staying at the forefront of innovation. A leader in Michigan, as well as one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, we treat more than 55,000 patients per year at 12 locations throughout southeast Michigan. In addition, our team works closely with Henry Ford Medical Group physicians in other departments, providing multidisciplinary, coordinated care for those patients who need it.