Bachelor of Science with Honours in Orthoptics
Orthoptists
Location:
After graduating from the University of Liverpool in 2013, Sonal spent over 5 years practicing Orthoptics at Ashford and St Peters Hospital in the UK. As the Lead Clinical tutor she taught and mentored undergraduate Orthoptic students and pre-registration Optometrists. As an extension to her role in the National Health Service she also assisted in treating patients with intravitreal injections.
Sonal moved to Abu Dhabi at the beginning of 2020 to join the Moorfields Eye Hospital, Strabismus and Paediatric Ophthalmology team.
Sonal has a keen interest in the investigation and management of complex ocular movement disorders and children with amblyopia and strabismus, she is an expert in working with children of all ages and learning abilities.
As a skilled practitioner, Sonal has worked in large teams of specialised Ophthalmologists, working in primary vision screening, paediatric and adult ocular motility and botulinum toxin clinics, assisting in adjustable strabismus surgeries as well as supporting surgical plans for pre-operative assessments. She has contributed to audits and research to improve patient care and provide the best possible management for her patients.
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.