Ophthalmology

The Department of Ophthalmology specialises in early detection and correction of visual problems in children from birth to 18 years.  Frequent causes of poor vision are the need for glasses, turning eyes, lazy eyes and abnormalities present at birth.  Other general health disorders and injuries may also cause poor vision or poor visual development. 

The earlier eye problems are detected the greater the range of treatment and education options.  No child is too young to be assessed and children with a family history of eye disorders should be tested between four and ten months of age.

Orthoptic Clinics are are held daily in the Eye Outpatients area.  All aspects of visual function are assessed, including visual acuity (ability to see, especially for preschool and non-literate children), visual fields, ocular muscle balance and tone, binocular functions, strabismus and colour vision.

How to access the service

A referral is needed from your GP, a Child and Youth Health worker or from another WCH department.

Information for Families

Incision and curettage of eyelid chalazion

A chalazion is a small lump on the eyelid formed by a blockage and/or infection of a meibomian (oil) gland

 

Examination of eyes under anaesthetic

Children may need to have their eyes examined under anaesthetic because they are unable to lie still while awake.

 

Syringe and probing of blocked nasolacrimal ducts of the eyes

Probing and syringing of the tear duct may be necessary for children with persistent watery eyes and recurrent conjunctivitis.

 

Insertion of Crawford tubes

Crawford tubes are used after syringe and probing of the tear ducts has failed to clear a blockage.

 

Removal of Crawford Tubes

Crawford tubes are inserted into the tear duct to assist the drainage of tears.  They usually remain in place for about six months.

 

Strabismus (squint) repair

Strabismus (squint)  is a term used to describe the condition where both eyes do not look in the same direction.  It may be present at birth, appear during childhood or following an illness or injury.

Hours

Clinic and general business 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday

Contact Information

Unit Head

Head, Ophthalmology

Dr Theresa Casey

Location

1st Floor, Rogerson building

Mailing Address

Ophthalmology Department

Women's and Children's Hospital

72 King William Road

North Adelaide 

South Australia 5006

Phone/Fax/Email

Ph (08) 8161 8308

email  cywhs.paedophthalmology@cywhs.sa.gov.au

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