Orthoptist
Location:
Leah is an Orthoptist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Orthoptics (with honours) from the University of Liverpool in 2014. She has also completed a Masters module in Education in 2019. Currently, she is pursuing an MBA through the University of Liverpool to advance her studies further.
With more than nine years of regional and international experience in Ocular Motility and Binocular Vision across various countries, including the UK and Ireland, Leah has worked in several renowned medical institutions, such as The Royal London Hospital, which is part of Barts Health NHS Trust.
Her other fields of interest are working with children and adults with special needs and learning difficulties. She was responsible for this specialist service in her previous position at the Royal London Hospital in the UK. She also worked closely with the neuro-ophthalmology team to develop an orthoptist-led clinic for patients with the neurological condition Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).
A squint, medically known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned and do not look in the same direction. One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards while the other remains focused. This misalignment affects both children and adults, though its causes and implications may differ depending on age.
In children, a squint often develops due to an imbalance in the muscles controlling the eyes, leading to poor coordination between them. If left untreated, it can cause amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” where the brain begins to favour one eye, potentially impairing vision in the affected eye. Early detection, including glasses, eye patches, or surgery, is crucial for successful treatment.
In adults, strabismus can arise from trauma, neurological conditions, or illnesses like stroke or diabetes. It may cause double vision, headaches, or eye strain, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Treatment options include corrective lenses, vision therapy, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.
Effective management of squint is vital for improving visual function and overall eye health in children and adults.
At Moorfields Eye Hospitals UAE, our highly qualified adult and paediatric squint surgeons have extensive experience diagnosing and treating all forms of squint.