The most common conditions that affect children eyes are refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism and lazy eye and squint (called amblyopia). We test children’s eyes for these conditions.
Some children may also have eye conditions caused by premature birth or genetic eye disease such as cataracts, glaucoma and ocular malformations. Chronic conjunctivitis caused by a blockage of the tear ducts at birth can also be a common treatable problem.
How we help
The children’s eye department is based in the Orthoptic department on the ground floor of the Sussex Eye Hospital. The majority of children are seen in the department but some are also seen in the Ophthalmology A&E on the lower ground floor of the Sussex Eye Hospital. We also see children at Southlands and St Richard’s Hospital, with surgery also at St Richard’s Hospital.
Occasionally, children are referred to ophthalmologists who specialise in corneal problems, glaucoma, orbit and uveitis and are seen in clinics on the lower ground floor where there is specialist equipment.
The clinical team includes orthoptists, ophthalmic opticians and ophthalmologists who specialise in children’s eye problems. There may also be medical students, trainee orthoptists and trainee ophthalmologists at your child’s appointment.
Premature babies are examined for Retinopathy of Prematurity (RoP) weekly. Laser surgery for RoP and surgery for eye conditions such as blocked tear ducts, squint and orbital cysts are performed at The Alex. Children are also seen at the Princess Royal Hospital at Haywards Heath.
Helpful resources
Useful information can be found on the following websites:
- British Retinitis Pigmentosa SocietyCHECT
- Albinism Fellowship
- Contact a Family – for Families with disabled children
- Royal Society for Blind Children
- RNIB Talk and Support
- Action for blind people
- Nystagmus network
- SOD/ONH Support Network – For families and professionals of children with Septo Optic sysplasia or Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
- Parents supporting parents of disabled children – face2face
Where we are
The children’s eye service is on the ground floor of the Sussex Eye Hospital in Brighton.
View the map and directions to the Sussex Eye Hospital