Specialised Orthoptic Care
Specialised Orthoptic Care for Children and Adults
Specialist assessment for how your eyes move, work together and communicate with your brain.
Orthoptic care focuses on how the eyes move, coordinate and send visual information to the brain. At Penshurst Eyecare, our Orthoptist Lisa Raad provides specialised assessments and personalised care for children and adults experiencing visual challenges beyond standard eyesight concerns.
Understanding How Your Eyes and Brain Work Together
Many patients are unfamiliar with the role of an Orthoptist. While Optometrists focus on eye health, glasses, contact lenses and clear vision, Orthoptists focus on the functional aspects of vision.
Eye Movement & Tracking
Evaluating how accurately your eyes follow moving objects or text across a page.
Binocular Vision & Alignment
Ensuring both eyes align and work smoothly as a team without strain or double vision.
Focusing & Accomodation
Assessing how effectively your eyes adjust focus between near and distant objects without discomfort or fatigue.
Visual Processing & Perception
Understanding how effectively your brain interprets and makes sense of the visual information received by your eyes.
Orthoptic Care Designed Around Your Needs
Orthoptic services support patients at every stage of life—from
early childhood development to adult vision recovery.
Could my child's vision be affecting their development?
Children's vision develops rapidly. Early identification of tracking or alignment issues supports better outcomes in school and everyday confidence.
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Conditions Assessed:
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Lazy eye (Amblyopia)
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Eye turns (Strabismus)
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Eye coordination and tracking difficulties
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Visual development concerns
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Management Options: Personalised monitoring, prescription glasses, patching therapy, vision exercises and collaborative care with other healthcare professionals.
Can anything help after changes to my vision?
Visual changes can occur following a stroke, brain injury or neurological health event. Adult orthoptic rehabilitation restores confidence and daily functional independence.
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Conditions Assessed:
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Double vision (Diplopia)
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Eye movement difficulties and muscle weakness
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Changes in visual field and visual coordination
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Management Options: Individualised care plans, prism strategies, vision rehabilitation exercises and coordination with healthcare teams.
My eyesight seems fine, so why am I still struggling?
Clear 20/20 vision is only one part of visual function. Effective vision relies on how efficiently the eyes and brain interpret visual information together.
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Areas Assessed:
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Eye tracking and focusing stamina
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Visual efficiency and eye teamwork
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Visual processing and perception during reading, studying or visual tasks
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Important Note: While vision is not the sole cause of learning difficulties, evaluating visual processing helps determine if eye strain or tracking errors are a contributing factor.
A Personalised Approach to Orthoptic Care
We avoid generic treatments. Following your initial assessment, Lisa Raad discusses findings in simple, clear language and develops a tailored roadmap.
What Management May Include:
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Targeted vision therapy and home-based exercises
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Eye patching or custom prism strategies
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Ongoing monitoring and progress checks
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Direct collaboration with Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, GPs and educators
Meet Lisa Raad, Orthoptist
Lisa Raad is a dedicated Orthoptist with extensive clinical experience in paediatric vision, strabismus management and adult neuro-ophthalmic rehabilitation. Working alongside Penshurst Eyecare, Lisa delivers empathetic, evidence-based care—ensuring patients and families fully understand their condition and feel supported every step of the way.
Referrals, Rebates & NDIS Support
Referrals
We accept referrals from Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, GPs and Paediatricians. Direct self-referrals are also welcome.
NDIS Provider
Lisa provides orthoptic services through EyeTreat, an approved NDIS provider.
Health Funds
Private health insurance extras rebates may apply depending on your health fund cover.
What is the difference between an Optometrist and an Orthoptist?
Optometrists focus on overall eye health, prescribing glasses and clarity of vision. Orthoptists specialise in functional vision—how the eyes work together, move, align and process visual information with the brain.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see an Orthoptist?
No referral is required. While we regularly accept referrals from GPs, optometrists and specialists, you can contact our practice directly to book.
How do I know if my child needs an orthoptic assessment?
Signs include frequent eye rubbing, head tilting, an eye turn, avoiding reading or difficulty concentrating on visual tasks.
Are orthoptic services covered by NDIS?
Yes, Lisa provides services through EyeTreat, an approved NDIS provider for eligible plan participants.
Common Questions About Orthoptic Care
Find answers to common questions parents ask about children’s eye examinations, vision development and what to expect during an eye test. This section helps you feel informed and confident about your child’s eye health and care.