Are you visiting Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital?
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Sydney, NSW 2000
Orthoptics Department
Who are we?
Orthoptists work as part of an eye care team at the Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital.
The Orthoptist:
- tests and diagnoses eye movement problems
- treats eye movement problems without having to have surgery
What we do
Orthoptists provide a service for both adults and children. They have experience in eye movement disorders and assessing vision.
The orthoptist can:
- diagnose eye movement conditions
- provide treatment that does not involve surgery
- help with rehabilitation of some eye conditions
Orthoptists work with eye doctors to aid in the diagnosis and management of eye diseases and visual problems.
Orthoptists provide a service for patients in the following areas:
- vision and eye movement testing of babies and children
- check the development of vision
- treats reduced vision (amblyopia) in children caused by eye movement problems
- diagnosis, treatment and management of eye movement and vision problems
- visual field testing
- diagnostic testing for eye disease including glaucoma, cataract and retinal diseases
Who we care for
Orthoptists care for patients of all ages, from a few weeks old to the elderly.
Sydney, NSW, 2001
Opening hours 8am-4.30pm Monday - Friday
Location: Eastern end of the Clinical Services Building, Ground floor
-33.8681622, 151.2122224
How can an orthoptist help me?
The treatment the orthoptist will offer includes: eye patches, eye exercises, prisms or glasses. They will also help you understand your eye condition. They will teach you ways on how to work around your vision, or eye difficulties.
What do I need to bring to my Visual Field appointment?
- bring your most current reading and distance glasses
- a list of any medication that you are taking
- if you have problems understanding English, we can organise an interpreter for you
What is amblyopia?
Amblyopia is a reduction in the vision of one or both eyes due to an interruption to the normal visual development that may occur in the during a child’s visual development. It is important to treat amblyopia, before age seven to gain the best improvement.
What is strabismus/squint?
Strabismus (squint, turn or lazy eye) refers to the problems in the movement of the eyes causing your eyes to look in different directions. A squint may prevent the eyes from working together as a pair (binocular vision) and in some cases can affect eye sight in children.
Can you help me with my double vision?
Diplopia (double vision) can occur for many different reasons, including damage to the nerves that supply the eye muscles and problems with the eye muscles themselves, trauma to the eye muscles just to name a few. Often temporary prisms are fitted to the glasses to relieve diplopia (prism therapy). The orthoptist monitors the prism therapy as diplopia often changes and can improve in some cases.
How do I clean my prism?
Prisms need to be removed from glasses to be cleaned. To clean use warm soapy water then rise the prism with water. Whilst still damp place the smooth side of the prism of the inside of the glasses lens, press the prism down and push out the air bubbles. Allow prism to air dry / dry with kitchen towel. To prevent scratching the prism do not use harsh abrasives or lens cleaner.
What do I do if my double vision has become worse or changed?
If your double vision changes i.e. separation of double image increases, or direction of double vision changes then please contact us or attend the emergency department.
When would I need to see an orthoptist?
We see patients with a wide range of conditions and symptoms affecting their vision including:
- misalignment of the eyes or eye turn (strabismus)
- blurred vision or ghosted images with either eye strain or eye turn
- double vision
- eye movement problems
- oscillating vision or eye movements
During an appointment with an orthoptist, we will check your vision and visual function and depending on the reason for your visit, assess eye alignment, eye movement and ability of the eyes to work together.
We may also discuss the symptoms a person is experiencing to understand their symptoms and how they might be impacting a person’s activities of daily living to offer a range of treatments to manage these symptoms.
Depending on the reason for your visit, we may also need to do other assessments including peripheral vision testing (visual field assessment).
An appointment typically takes 30-90 minutes to allow enough time for the orthoptist to thoroughly examine your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan if needed.
Often you will also need an appointment with one of our Ophthalmologists or Optometrists to check the health of the inside of your eyes and how your eyes are focusing. This may be on the same day as your Orthoptic appointment or at a later date.
- your appointment letter or appointment card (if you have one)
- current glasses (near and distance) and contact lenses, including any cases, storage containers and solutions
- medicines or eye drops in correctly labelled containers (or a picture of your medications or eye drops) or a letter from your GP listing all your medication
- sunglasses - some patients find these useful if they have had drops put in their eyes
Patient Information - English and other languages
-33.8681875, 151.2127485
Medicine list - factsheet, brochure and tool
Video Resources
For video resources, click on the topic that you want to watch.
Asking questions about your medicines - NPS
What makes medicine work - NPS
Safe use of medicines
Online articles
Medicine and Brand names (English)
Generic medicines vs brand-name medicines (English)
Information on healthcare rights for people with cognitive impairment is available in English and different languages. This guide is for people with cognitive impairment, carers, families and support people. It tells you about your right to healthcare, and how you can keep safe and supported in hospital.
To read the information in your preferred language, click on the language.
Click on your language for information about coming to the Outpatient Department.
English
For more information about your healthcare rights, click on your preferred language:
Easy English - this information is suitable to give to a person who has dementia, an intellectual disability or a brain injury
For more information about your healthcare rights, click on your preferred language:
Easy English - this information is suitable to give to a person who has dementia, an intellectual disability or a brain injury
To learn more about your visit to Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital, click on the link below:
For instructions on how to find the main doors at Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital click on the link below:
For instructions on how to provide feedback about your care at Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital please click on the link below:
Hand Unit
How we can help you (What we do)
The Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital Hand Unit provides expert care for patients with hand, wrist, and forearm conditions, offering a comprehensive approach to treatment and recovery. Our team of specialists is dedicated to helping you regain function, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.
Sydney, NSW, 2001
Visiting hours:
10am to 8pm
Hand Clinic: +61 2 9382 7201
Hand Ward: +61 2 9382 7198
Hand Therapy: +61 2 9382 7201
Hand Surgery: +61 2 9382 7201
-33.8684884, 151.2124807
The Hand Unit is a leading quaternary referral centre in NSW, specialising in the treatment of injuries and conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. We provide expert care for both emergency and elective (planned) cases, ensuring comprehensive management of upper limb conditions below the elbow.
Our department has specialised expertise in managing a wide range of complex hand and upper limb conditions, including:
Emergency:
• Complex forearm, wrist and hand injury management
• Severe hand trauma requiring microvascular surgery to re-establish blood flow (e.g. amputations)
• Free tissue transfer and flap reconstruction for upper limb trauma
• Comprehensive management of soft tissue and fracture repair, including surgical treatment and rehabilitation.
Elective:
• Advanced treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture
• Surgical care for rheumatoid hand deformities
The Hand Unit is situated on the second floor of the main Clinical Services Building (CSB) at Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital.
For easy access:
• Entrance: Use the main hospital entrance of the Clinical Services Building from the courtyard.
• Lifts: Take the lifts to the second floor.
• Signage: Exit and turn right on exiting the lifts or follow the signs directing you to the Hand Unit.
If you need assistance finding us, hospital staff are available to guide you.
The Hand Unit is made up of several key areas, each focused on different stages of your care:
The Hand Clinic: A specialised outpatient clinic where patients receive medical assessments, follow-up care, and treatment planning for both acute and chronic hand conditions. (CSB level 2)
The Hand Therapy Department – Offering expert rehabilitation services, including splinting, casting, exercises, and education to help restore function and mobility after injury or surgery. (CSB level 2)
In-Patient Ward – Providing comprehensive care for patients recovering from hand and upper limb surgery or requiring hospital admission for complex conditions. (CSB level 2)
Day Procedure Unit – For patients undergoing same-day procedures, providing a comfortable and efficient environment for minor surgeries and treatments that do not require overnight stays. (CSB level 1)
Operating Theatres – Where surgeries are performed, including both elective procedures and emergency trauma care for hand and upper limb conditions. (CSB level 3)
Our medical staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring continuous, high-quality care throughout your journey.
Our team includes:
Your care is guided by a multidisciplinary team dedicated to comprehensively manage your treatment journey, including:
- Hand Surgery Consultants – the Hand Unit has twelve Hand Surgeon Consultants from either Orthopaedic or Plastic surgery backgrounds, all completing additional training in the specialty of Hand Surgery.
- Hand Surgery Fellow – since 1987, the Hand Unit has a proud history of supporting local, national and international Surgeons wanting to further their knowledge and skills in the specialty of Hand Surgery. The Hand Unit has one Hand Surgery Fellow.
- Medical Officers completing specialty training – the Hand Unit supports two Orthopaedic Surgery Registrars, one Plastic Surgery Registrar and one unaccredited Plastic Surgery Registrar.
- Junior Medical Officer – the Hand Unit is supported by one Junior Medical Officer.
- Clinical Nurse Consultant: Hand Surgery – the Hand Unit is supported by an experienced and dedicated Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) who is committed to advancing nursing expertise in hand surgery. With a passion for education and mentorship, the CNC helps nurses develop the specialised knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality care throughout the patient journey.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist: Hand Clinic – responsible for the coordination of patients attending the Hand Clinic, the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS2) assists with referral screening; maintains patient flow through the clinic and provides specialist wound management.
- Hand nurses – experts in post-operative recovery, wound care, and patient education.
- Hand therapists – the Hand Therapy team is comprised of occupational therapist and physiotherapist who, through advanced continuing education and clinical experience and integration of knowledge in anatomy and physiology, have become proficient in the assessment and management of hand and upper limb condition resulting from trauma or disease. We provide custom made orthosis and individually tailored rehabilitation programs with the aim or restoring function and mobility.
- Social workers – offering emotional support and assistance with recovery challenges.
- Clerical staff – ensuring smooth coordination of your care
Our team is here to support you by:
• helping you understand your hand injury or condition and treatment
• guiding you in caring for your hand after injury or surgery
• providing clear, detailed information about your recovery process
• offering support to you and your family or carers throughout your journey
• providing both practical and emotional support, offering guidance and reassurance to help patients navigate the challenges of recovery
The Unit is supported with a 24 hour on-call service staffed at Consultant and Fellow/Registrar level.
Your recovery is supported by a network of healthcare professionals who collaborate to ensure you receive the best possible care beyond the hospital setting. We work closely with:
• Your local family doctor (GP) – providing ongoing medical support, monitoring your progress, and managing any general health concerns related to your recovery.
• Local hand therapy clinics – offering specialised rehabilitation to improve function, mobility, and strength following your hand injury or surgery.
• Local community nurses – assisting with wound care, dressing changes, and other essential aspects of post-operative recovery in your home or community setting.
Together, we coordinate your care to provide a seamless transition from hospital to home, supporting your recovery every step of the way.
The Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital Hand Unit provides comprehensive care for patients with hand, wrist, and forearm conditions. Our services include:
• Surgery – we offer a range of surgical procedures, from emergency trauma care to elective reconstructive surgeries, ensuring the best possible outcomes for hand and upper limb conditions.
• Medical reviews – our team of specialist doctors conducts thorough assessments and follow-up reviews to monitor your recovery and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
• Hand education – we provide education and resources to help patients understand their condition, treatment options, wound management and self-care strategies for optimal recovery.
• Hand therapy education – Our expert hand therapists offer guidance on rehabilitation exercises, casting, splinting, and strategies to restore function and prevent complications.
Our goal is to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care to support your recovery and long-term hand health.
Sydney Hospital and Sydney Hospital Outpatient Department
How can we help you? (what we do)
The Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital Outpatient Department is a group of clinics providing outpatient appointments to patients requiring Ophthalmology (eye), Neurology, Tuberculosis or Allergy treatment.
Who we care for?
We accept public and private patient referrals from all consultant ophthalmologists, specialists, general practitioners, optometrists and from other hospitals within New South Wales.
Who are we?
Services are provided by Specialists and Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) or specialists in training (registrars and fellows). They are supported by nursing staff and allied health professionals including orthoptists, pharmacists and social workers. Administration staff will help you make appointments, and will assist you with any questions you may have.
Our Partners
General Practitioners, Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, NSW Public Hospitals, Sydney Eye Hospital Ophthalmology Services.
Please remind your referring doctor or optometrist to download our referral template by way of referring you. Click on the 'Information for Referrers' link below.
Sydney, NSW, 2001
For Eye Outpatients (02) 9382 7046
For General Outpatients (02) 9382 7350
Referral required from either an Ophthalmologist, Optometrist or General Practitioner.
Hours of opening:
Outpatient Department: 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday
Closed weekends and Public holidays
-33.8684884, 151.2124807
The Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital Outpatient Department is a group of outpatient clinics incorporating;
Sydney Eye Hospital Outpatient Department, encompassing the following sub-specialties:
- General ophthalmology
- Cataract (IOL)
- Cornea
- Ocular-oncology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Glaucoma
- Oculo-plastics
- Uveitis
- Squint and paediatrics
- Vitreo-retinal
- Medical-retinal
- Orthoptics
- Acute Ophthalmology Service – by internal referral from the SSEH Emergency Department only:
Kogarah Eye Clinic located at 7 Chapel Street, Kogarah - offers appointments ONLY to those patients who reside in the St George area and only runs clinics in the sub-specialties of:
- General ophthalmology
- Cataract (IOL)
- Cornea
- Oculo-plastics
- Squint and paediatrics
- Orthoptics
- General Outpatients Department (with ENT, Gastroenterology, Neurology and Allergy services)
Sydney Eye Hospital Referral Guidelines
There is new state-wide referral criteria for selected conditions within the specialty of Ophthalmology. Visit the NSW Health website to learn more about what these changes mean for you.
To download the Sydney Eye Hospital Referral Guidelines, please click here.
General Information for Referrers
Sydney Eye Hospital Outpatient Department accepts referrals from Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and General Practitioners for patients within NSW requiring eye assessment and/or treatment.
All referrals are assessed by Ophthalmologists, or Ophthalmology Registrars in the first instance. The Registrar or Consultant will then prioritise patients depending on their clinical urgency, as either ‘urgent’ or ‘non-urgent’ against ophthalmologist approved guidelines.
Patients who do not require urgent assessment may be placed on our waitlist for assessment. Patients who are deemed most urgent are given appointments at the discretion of the reviewing medical officer.
Sydney Eye Hospital Outpatient department offers appointments in the sub-specialties of:
- Cataract (IOL)
- Cornea
- Ocular-oncology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Glaucoma
- Oculo-plastics
- Uveitis
- Squint
- Vitreo-retinal
- Medical-retina
Kogarah Eye Clinic - offers appointments ONLY to those patients who reside in the St George area and runs clinics only in the sub-specialites of:
- Cataract (IOL)
- Cornea
- Oculo-plastics
- Squint and paediatrics
- Orthoptics
Referrers, please note that we do not perform:
- Diabetic eye checks (unless active disease has been found by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist which requires close assessment and/or treatment)
- General eye checks (all general eye checks should first be performed by an optometrists. If any sign of eye disease is found, Optometrists are then welcome to refer patients on to Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital for further assessment and/or treatment)
Referring patients who wish to move from private care into the public system:
Patients who are currently under the care of a treating Ophthalmologist, who wish to transfer their care into the public hospital system must be referred with a letter from the treating Ophthalmologist, with specific information about their diagnosis, investigations undertaken (with results attached if possible), treatment and planned follow up (if any).
For glaucoma, this MUST include the following before the patient can be considered for an appointment:
- The most recent Humphrey visual field scans for both eyes
- The most recent ocular coherence tomography (OCT) scan for both eyes
- The most recent intraocular pressure (IOP) reading
- A recent report or copy of correspondence from the treating private Ophthalmologist
For medical retina (macular degeneration/diabetic macular oedema) patients, this MUST include the following before the patient can be considered for an appointment:
- The most recent ocular coherence tomography (OCT) scan for both eyes
- A recent report or copy of correspondence from the treating private Ophthalmologist
If your patient lives close to one of the hospitals below or is already a patient at one of these hospitals, you should consider sending a referral there for a faster and more convenient service.
| Westmead Hospital Eye Clinic | Fax: 8890 6117 |
| Liverpool Hospital Eye Clinic | Fax: 8738 4585 (requires specialist referral) |
| Bankstown Hospital Eye Clinic | Fax: 9722 8398 |
| Concord Hospital Eye Clinic | Fax: 9767 6743 |
| RPA Hospital Eye Clinic | Fax: 9515 7520 |
| Prince of Wales Hospital Eye Clinic | Fax: 9382 2281 |
| Royal North Shore Hospital Eye Clinic | Fax: 9463 1065 |
| Sydney Children's Hospital Eye Clinic | Fax: 9382 1461 |
| Westmead Kids' Hospital Eye Clinic | Fax: 9845 3949 |
Referral templates for download
Click here for the Cataract Referral template.
Download Catquest here.
Click here for the General Eye Referral template. Please do not use this for Medical Retina or Glaucoma referrals.
Click here for the Medical Retina Referral template.
Click here for the Glaucoma Referral template.
There are new NSW Ministry of Health statewide Referral Guidelines for Ophthalmology. Please visit the NSW Health website to learn more.
For frequently asked questions, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
The Kogarah Eye Clinic is located at 7 Chapel Street, Kogarah, adjacent to the St. George Hospital.
All Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital Outpatient clinics are located across two locations within the Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital campus.
Some clinics are located on Ground Level of the Clinical Services Building, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospitall. Enter via the main hospital foyer, immediately turn left.
Other clinics are located in the Bicentennial Eye Clinic, Ground floor of the North Block, within the grounds of the Sydney Eye Hospital.
Please see map below.
Where to park?
There is on-site underground parking available with 'Metro Pty Ltd' car park (entrance from Hospital Road). Please note that this car park is privately owned and operated and therefore fees will be incurred. **add NSW Health parking site link**
There is also a limited number of metered parking spaces available on Hospital Road. There is a small amount of free street parking near the hospital but times are limited.
There is also a 5 minute patient drop-off bay at the rear of the hospital, accessible via Hospital Road.
Public Transport
Info line: For information about connections, destinations and timetables for government buses, trains and ferries in and around Sydney, telephone 13 15 00. OR check the NSW Transport Trip planner website http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/tripplanner/index.html
Train: Martin Place station is directly opposite the hospital and St James station is at the end of Macquarie Street.
Bus: Bus No. 200 stops directly opposite the hospital in Macquarie Street.
Ferries: Circular Quay ferry terminal is 10 minutes’ walk from the hospital.
Clinic Times
Clinics operate Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, between 8am and 5pm.
There is a period of scheduled downtime each year, over the Christmas and New Year’s break. The Emergency Department continues to operate during this period.
Payments
All services are bulk-billed for patients who hold a valid Medicare card. Non-eligible patients will be charged a consultation fee and a fee for all ordered tests/scans on top of this consultation fee. Administration staff will advise you of this fee amount and payment on the day of your appointment. For more information about fees please contact the Administration Services manager through switchboard on 02 9382 7111.
Related Services
Where is my closest public hospital eye clinic?
Did you know that NSW Public Hospitals may give priority appointments to those patients who live in their catchment area? Please see the list below of hospitals that operate an Eye Outpatient Clinic.
If you live close to one of the hospitals below, you may consider sending a referral there for a faster and more convenient service.
- Westmead Hospital Eye Clinic Fax 9845 6117
- Liverpool Hospital Eye Clinic Fax 8738 4585 (requires specialist referral)
- Bankstown Hospital Eye Clinic Fax 9722 8570
- Concord Hospital Eye Clinic Fax 9767 6743
- RPA Hospital Eye Clinic Fax 9515 7520
- Prince of Wales Hospital Eye Clinic Fax 9382 2281
- St Vincent’s Hospital Eye Clinic Fax 8382 3111
- Royal North Shore Hospital Eye Clinic Fax 9463 1065
Support Services
Support Services at Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital are dedicated and professional teams comprised of several departments:
- Administrative Staff
- Engineering Services
- Hotel Services
- Security
The Support Services at this hospital are committed to promoting the highest standard of support to the hospital. It is characterised by a sense of teamwork and an environment renowned for being responsive.
Sydney, NSW, 2001
-33.8684884, 151.2124807
The Administrative team provide a range of administrative support to enable the departments of Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital to achieve their objectives in a timely, reliable and efficient manner.
The team contributes to a positive patient journey within Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital by effectively providing a range of administrative duties and communicating with all stakeholders in a compassionate and caring manner.
The Engineering Services team at Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital provides a comprehensive technical support service for site-based infrastructure including the repair or replacement of faulty equipment, building maintenance, medical equipment repairs & servicing of lifts, plumbing, electrical systems, air conditioning, medical gases and essential services throughout the Hospital.
The support includes provision of accessories, the replacement of supplies as well as repair or replacement of faulty equipment and general building upgrades.
Hotel Services oversees cleaning, waste and patient porter services at Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital. Hotel Services conducts a quality controlled cleaning service that is electronically audited internally, and also participate in external cleaning audits to ensure we maintain quality and safety for patients, visitors and staff, and meet ACHS Accreditation requirements across the campus.
Hotel Services strive to maintain the highest quality service for the hospital through continuous training, applying innovative technology and conducting quality audits. With the feedback from our patients, visitors and staff we ensure a clean, safe and environmentally sustainable service.
The primary role of the Security Department is the Protecting of People and Property and to ensure a safe and secure environment for the benefit of patients, staff and visitors.
Security Officers patrol the hospital campus at all times. Other security measures in place across the campus include security lighting, CCTV cameras and emergency communications, intruder alarms, and personal duress alarms and fixed duress alarms for staff working in he patient care areas. If you see or sense something suspicious, please contact security personnel for assistance.
Our Security Department may be contacted on (02) 93827090 with any concerns or queries.
The Security Department is located outside of the Emergency Department.
This service is provided by uniformed licensed security officers.
Theatres and operating suites
Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital is a tertiary referral centre for ophthalmology and hand surgery. Our modern equipment and enthusiastic team allow us to provide high quality health care to a wide community.
The hospital's operating suite consists of a six-theatre complex with a 12 bed Recovery Unit, Endoscopy Unit and Theatre Sterile Supply Unit.
Surgical specialties undertaken in the operating suite include ophthalmology surgery in three dedicated eye theatres, hand, general, orthopaedic, ear, nose and throat surgery and endoscopic procedures.
Elective surgery encompassing all specialties takes place Monday - Friday, with 24 hour emergency cover provided seven days a week.
Sydney, NSW, 2001
Elective surgery encompassing all specialties takes place Monday - Friday
24 hour emergency cover provided seven days a week.
-33.8684884, 151.2124807
Safety Videos
This video has some important messages on hand hygiene and care plans.
Please click on each language to watch the video.
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Sydney, NSW, 2001