The first Monday of June is World Orthoptic Day, and this week the teams at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals have been using the day to raise awareness of their profession and celebrate some of the great work they do.
Our teams below have put together some of their thoughts on their work.
“We welcome World Orthoptic Day on 6 June as an opportunity to highlight the wonderful patient care carried out by this small AHP profession. Orthoptists offer care to all age groups with squints, ocular muscle problems, treating reduced vision in children and relieving distressing symptoms of double vision for our adult population, including those affected by stroke.
The Blackpool Orthoptic service is part of the Ophthalmology department but offers paediatric eye care across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre at ten community sites as well as at Victoria Hospital.”
Cath Gray, Head Orthoptist
“Let’s celebrate ‘World Orthoptic Day 2022’ and recognise the hard work and dedication of Orthoptists and Orthoptic support workers everywhere. It has been my pleasure to celebrate 25 years in the profession this year. During that time, I have had the privilege to meet some fantastic colleagues and treat many patients. I hope that my interventions as part of a great team in Blackpool will have made a difference to the sight and symptoms of all my patients and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to do so.”
Conrad Beacham, Deputy Head Orthoptist
“Starting my Orthoptic job as a newly qualified graduate at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in 2020 has been a challenging but rewarding experience. I have not only been able to explore the many wonderful attractions around Blackpool such as the beach and amusements, but I have developed a close-knit friendship with all of my peers within the Orthoptic department. Over the past two years I have learnt to challenge myself and develop my professional knowledge by involving myself in regular staff and CPD meetings. This profession has taught me how to work under pressure and develop problem-solving skills that I will use throughout my entire career. Helping to diagnose and treat patients with distressing eye problems is an incredibly rewarding experience which continuously motivates me to want to do better and further progress in my job role. I hope to continue to work alongside my trusted Orthoptic colleagues and other allied health professionals to provide all my patients with the highest quality of care.”
Iqra Altaf, Band 6 Paediatric Orthoptist
“My name is Sahar. I graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2021 and this is my first orthoptic post at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. I enjoy working as an orthoptist as it allows me to work with a range of patients with different conditions, therefore allowing me to expand on my knowledge and skills. Despite not having all my undergraduate orthoptic placements due to COVID, I have gained much support from my colleagues at work and especially my managers Cath and Conrad.
Overall, Blackpool itself is a fun and lively place with very friendly people. I have adjusted very well to moving here and within the orthoptic team. “
Sahar Shahzadi Orthoptist