You may have been referred to the orthoptic clinic via your GP, optician or other medical professional.
What to bring to the appointment.
Glasses
List of medication
Appointment letter
New Paediatric Appointments
All paediatric new patients will have Orthoptic assessment which will last 20-30 minutes. Following this with consent, eye drops will be instilled before seeing the Optometrist for the sight test (more information regarding the drops will be provided on assessment). The drops will enlarge the pupil and in order to do so it takes 30-45 minutes to work. This will allow the Optometrist to have an accurate assessment of the back of the eye and to determine if a prescription for glasses is necessary which will likely take around 15 minutes.
If your child has been referred to paediatric ophthalmology clinic they may need additional tests that will be decided by the doctor.
New Adult Appointments
New adult patients will have an Orthoptic assessment which typically lasts between 30-45 minutes. You may also see the ophthalmologist at this visit. If necessary eye drops may be instilled to enlarge the pupil allowing a thorough assessment of the eye by the doctor. Doctor examination time varies dependent on patient and clinic. Your total appointment time can take up to two hours.
Driving to the appointment
It is advised on your first visit not to drive to your appointment as drops may be instilled which blur your vision.
Missed or cancelled appointments
To cancel or change your appointments please telephone the number on your appointment letter. This may allow us to give your appointment time to another patient. Please do not attend if you are unwell. Phone the department if you need advice, we are always happy to help.
If you do not attend an appointment without telling the clinic in advance this will be recorded as Did Not Attend appointment. This is in line with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Did Not Attend and Cancellation Policy.
Meet the teams
South Glasgow
Our team work across 3 hospital sites this includes 13 Orthoptists, 1 orthoptic support worker and 2 admin staff.
North Glasgow
Our team work across Stobhill and Glasgow Royal including 5 Orthoptists.
Clyde
Our team includes 8 Orthoptist, 2 Orthoptic Support Workers and 1 admin assistant.
We know that mental health does not just mean mental illness; it is a continuum that may include a range of needs, from having the right words to describe how we feel, through to everyday worries and feelings of distress or hopelessness. (Scotland’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023).
The six Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) offer a range of mental health and wellbeing services, including for those with diagnosed mental illness and psychiatric care needs. For example, Primary Care Mental Health Teams (PCMHT) help people with mental health problems that will benefit from ‘talking’ therapies. Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) work with people with more complex or longer lasting mental health issues, possibly needing medication. There are also a number of specialist services to meet a range of specific needs including crisis, trauma, drugs and alcohol, eating disorders, and psychotherapy.
Practitioners from a range of professional backgrounds work within these teams and include psychiatrists, psychologists and cognitive behavioural therapists, community psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, community development workers, support workers and administrative staff.
The links below provide access to resources for mental health and wellbeing support, including details about NHSGGC mental health services and their locations. You’ll also find information on the NHSGGC Mental Health Strategy, which outlines current and upcoming initiatives in prevention and early intervention, primary care, community, and specialist mental health services. Additionally, there is information on engagement and involvement with the public, service users, and carers.
If you, or someone you know, needs urgent help or is in crisis, call NHS 24 on 111.
If you just need to talk with someone, there is help available:
The Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them on 116 123 (freephone) or email: jo@samaritans.org
Breathing Space offers a confidential phone line for anyone in Scotland feeling low, anxious or depressed. You can call free on 0800 83 85 87.
You can find lots of useful information on the NHS inform website and Mind to Mind Hub. You can also visit the NHSGGC Heads Up Mental Health Support for advice, videos and support which also has mental health information described in British Sign Language (BSL).
Why Healthy Eating Matters
Healthy eating is essential for maintaining overall well-being. A balanced diet provides the nutrients your body needs to function well, supports your immune system, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, and obesity. By making healthier food choices, you can improve your overall health, energy levels, mood and longevity.
In the UK, the guidelines for a balanced diet are based on the Eatwell Guide, applicable to everyone regardless of weight, cultural background, or dietary preferences. There is also a short video option about the Eatwell Guide.
However, the Eatwell Guide does not apply to children under 2 because they have different nutritional needs. Between the age of 2 and 5, children should gradually move to eating the same foods as the rest of the family in the proportions shown on the Eatwell Guide.
Key principles of healthy eating:
At least 5 A Day: Remember to include 5 portions fruit and vegetables a day
Fibre: Include plenty of fibre rich foods, especially wholegrains
Protein: Include a range of protein foods, especially beans, peas and lentils
Dairy and alternatives: Include some dairy foods or fortified alternatives
Choose the right fats: Mainly unsaturated fats and oils
Limit: Eat fewer foods and drinks that are high in fat, salt and sugars
Other important aspects of healthy eating
Balance: Ensure your diet includes a variety of foods from all food groups – see Eatwell Guide info above
Variety: Incorporate a wide range of foods as different foods provide different vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
Plan Your Meals: Take the time to plan your meals and snacks. This helps you make healthier choices and avoid last-minute unhealthy options.
Read Labels: Learn to read food labels to understand what you’re eating. Look for foods low in added sugar, salt/sodium and saturated fats.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking.
Cook at Home: Preparing meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes. It’s also a great way to try new recipes and enjoy family time.
Mindful Eating: Pay attention to what you eat and savour each bite. Avoid distractions like TV or smartphones during meals.
Moderation: Pay attention to portion sizes and avoid overeating. Moderation is key to enjoying all foods without overindulging.
Pregnancy
The following videos outline healthy lifestyle and pregnancy.
Eating Well in Pregnancy – Plus the Right Vitamins
Eating the Right Amount for You and Baby
Moving More for a Healthier Pregnancy
Drinking Enough Water When You’re Pregnant
Eating with Awareness – What is Mindful Eating?
Understanding Blood Sugar and Pregnancy Diabetes
For more detailed information on Gestational Diabetes, see our Diabetes section on our webpage.
Our Multicultural Dietitian offers nutrition advice that respects cultural diversity, promoting health by acknowledging various dietary preferences and customs. See below for more information
At NHSGGC, we are committed to promoting health and wellbeing in ways that respect and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our communities. Providing nutritional guidance that is culturally appropriate helps improve health outcomes while honouring individual identities and traditions.
The role involves working with Interpreting Services, Health Improvement Teams, and other Dietetic colleagues to plan and deliver training for healthcare professionals, carers, and staff, with a focus on multicultural nutrition.
African general information
The traditional African diet is varied and balanced. It primarily consists of carbohydrates from staples such as rice, potatoes, cassava, yam, and plantains. This diet also includes meat, poultry, fish, and fresh fruits, which provide essential vitamins and fibre. Meals are usually seasoned with salt and herbs, and common cooking methods include frying, stewing, or boiling. Click here for more links.
Asian general information
The traditional South Asian diet is healthy and balanced, featuring a high carbohydrate intake, along with lentils, pulses, vegetables, and meats, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protein. It includes a variety of fresh vegetables like cauliflower, okra, and spinach, and fruits such as bananas, grapes, and mangoes. Click here for more links.
Eastern European general information
The Eastern European diet comprises a variety of hearty dishes. It includes eggs, dairy products, grains, vegetables, fish, poultry, red meats, and fruit. Common dishes feature various doughs and pastries, kashas, breads, pickles, sauerkraut, beet soup, and dumplings.
Translated diet sheets
We are developing our range of resources for translated diet sheets. The resource below Eating to Feel Better (Easy Read) has handy tips how to increase the calories and protein in your diet.
Information for Dietitians Considering Employment in the UK. This guide is designed for dietitians who are thinking about working in the NHS Scotland .Whether you’re currently living in the UK or planning to move from another country, this information can help you understand what to expect and how to get started. Click on the button below for more information
We have been running InS:PIRE clinics within NHSGGC for over 10 years. This page will answer some of the questions people often have about our clinic.
Who will get invited to attend InS:PIRE?
InS:PIRE clinics currently run at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) and the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH).
If you were a patient in ICU at one of these hospitals then your records will be reviewed when you go home from hospital. If your stay in ICU was longer than a week or involved support with a life support machine then you will be contacted by one of the InS:PIRE nurses to discuss attending the clinic.
We find that people get the most out of the clinic if they have been at home for a few months before attending InS:PIRE. This time at home gives you time to discover what issues you need help with. We aim to contact patients about 3 months after they have gone home.
What to expect when you come to the InS:PIRE clinic?
The InS:PIRE clinic runs several times per year. Unlike a more traditional clinic where you get one appointment on a single day, the InS:PIRE team will invite you to attend a session every week for 4-5 weeks.
Sessions at GRI are on Thursday afternoons.
Sessions at the RAH are on Wednesday afternoons.
If this is too much of a commitment, then virtual one-off appointments can be arranged. Over the weeks there will be group education sessions hosted by specialist staff and you will have one-to-one consultations with a variety of teams.
People you may meet…
ICU medical and nursing staff
You will meet members of the ICU team who will prepare a summary of what happened whilst you were in ICU. You can ask medical questions and any ongoing referrals or issues can be addressed.
Physiotherapy
You will meet with an ICU physio who can assess and advise you about with muscle, joint and activity level issues. They can make referrals to community services and will develop you a tailored exercise plan if you need one.
Pharmacy
An ICU pharmacist will speak with you and review the medications you are on after your hospital admission. They can make sure you are getting the correct medications and liaise with your GP if they need to.
Other teams and specialists
We also have input from a variety of other specialists who attend the InS:PIRE clinic sessions.
We ask for feedback after every block of InS:PIRE clinic appointments so that we can improve the support we offer to our patients. Some of our previous patients and their families have been kind enough to share their thoughts about attending the clinic in this video.
Creating a place where children can flourish in their early years is a national Public Health priority for Scotland.
This journey begins pre-conception and continues during pregnancy into the early days of life. Since 2017, the Scottish Government has set a strategic direction for maternity and neonatal services across the country with the Best Start five-year review plan. Within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, our maternity and neonatal services continue to evolve, guided by the Best Start principles.
We have made significant progress over the last seven years to effectively implement many of the key recommendations set out in the Best Start review. We are committed to embed and develop further the implementation of the key recommendations and principles of Best Start, the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Framework and the Women’s Health Plan over the coming five years.
The strategy will link to many other programmes and initiatives, particularly the NHSGGC Moving Forward Together programme, the NHSGGC Nursing and Midwifery Strategy, Digital, Mental health and the Public Protection and Quality Strategies.
The implementation of this strategy will take place in the context of other local work and the development of new national Scottish Government maternity and neonatal policy direction in the coming years.
This document will set the vision for maternity and neonatal services in Greater Glasgow and Clyde from 2024 to 2029.
Occupational Therapy is a person-centred health profession focussed on promoting health and wellbeing through occupation.
Occupational Therapy helps people of all ages regain or improve their ability to do the things that matter to them in their daily life. We focus on understanding what activities (occupations) are important to you and what barriers may be preventing you from participating in them. This could be due to mental or physical health challenges or limitations in your environment. By considering your interests, values, and what is meaningful to you, occupational therapy helps you achieve a healthy and fulfilling life.
Occupational Therapy is a registered profession through Health and Care Professions Council. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, hcpc-uk.org). Occupational Therapists are dual-trained at point of registration and can support people who have both mental and physical health issues.
Occupational therapists empower you to manage your mental health by exploring how you spend your time, understanding what’s working well and the challenges you face, and then collaborating with you to create a treatment plan. Our focus is on achieving your goals to enhance your participation in daily life, reconnect with or re-establish your sense of self, and improve your ability to cope with life’s challenges. This process may involve addressing areas such as cooking and budgeting skills, establishing a balanced routine, exploring new interests, and re-establishing your social roles. Furthermore, occupational therapists can help you develop coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and low mood, while also supporting relapse prevention and the development of life skills for long-term well-being. In addition to these approaches, they can also work with you to modify your environment or provide assistive equipment to better support your access and safety.
The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want, need, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation (everyday activities) or the environment to better support their occupational engagement (WFOT, 2012).
The process your Occupational Therapist will follow
Information gathering
In the initial stages your Occupational Therapist’s aim is to gather all information relating to your engagement with occupations in the past and what your current challenges are. This will include gathering information from you and other relevant people in your life, if appropriate, along with discussion with those already involved in care.
Assessment
The Occupational Therapist may complete various assessments to establish your strengths and challenges. These assessments may be observational, interview, or involve engagement in an activity.
Goal setting and planning
Following assessment, the occupational therapist will work with you to set goals and create an intervention treatment plan.
Treatment, interventions and monitoring
Treatment will focus on motivation, habits and routines, or skill building to improve participation in day-to-day life. The environment plays a crucial role in supporting recovery and enhancing daily functioning, as part of treatment the environment may be modified with use of equipment/ adaptations. Individual or group work may be used to support treatment for example: creative groups, community integration, recovery through activity, journey through dementia or home-based memory rehab.
Review outcomes and evaluation
The Occupational Therapist will review the effectiveness of your treatment and make informed decision about continuing, modifying or ending occupational therapy.
Occupations
Your Occupational Therapist will explore a range of occupations. An occupation may be:
Self-care
Self-care may include activities you do to care for your mental, physical or emotional health. This typically includes how you can manage your basic needs: hygiene, diet, sleep.
Leisure
Leisure activities include all activities you enjoy; consider what was enjoyable in the past and what you would like to try going forward. We acknowledge the importance of this to health and wellbeing and often facilitates connection with others.
Productivity
Productivity typically includes home or garden maintenance, fulfilment of roles and responsibilities, financial activities, educational pursuits or voluntary, or paid employment.
In a range of environments
Occupational therapy assessment and intervention can take place, in your home, hospital, clinic, community, or workplace settings. Sessions may take place face to face or virtually via telephone or digital platforms. Depending on your needs or preferences, sessions may be individual or in a group
Mental Health Occupational Therapy Services
We offer occupational therapy services to adults aged 18 and above who are currently receiving care and treatment from any of the following Greater Glasgow and Clyde mental health services including specialist areas:
Adult/Older people Community Mental Health Teams (located throughout NHSGGC resource centres)
Inpatient Mental Health Services (located throughout NHSGGC inpatient sites)
Specialist and additional occupational therapy services, which include:
Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service
esteem
perinatal mental health
eating disorders
forensic services
complex needs service
psychological trauma service
ADHD – assessment and intervention service (East Renfrewshire only)
‘You asked what I wanted to do with my day rather than just ask if I have been drinking and offer medication. Thank you.’
‘I love attending the poetry group, you learn and philosophise views of who and what we are collectively reading. We compose our own poems and perform them in this group setting which is supportive, makes you feel at ease and offers fair and balanced feedback. This group is so important to me.’
‘The Occupational therapist helped me leave my home for the first time in two years. Without them I would not have went across my door as my anxiety would stop me.’
‘I felt lonely, had no friends and everyday was the same. My occupational therapist helped me to structure my day and weeks. I joined new clubs, met new people and I now volunteer in my local charity shop. My life now has meaning.’
‘I was struggling at work to manage my ADHD. I couldn’t organise myself, I was missing deadlines and I was prioritising all the wrong things. My Occupational therapist helped me to adopt new strategies to support me in my work place to allow me to do my job.’
Useful Resources
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists have posters (A3 and A4) and leaflets available to download for your own use or to promote the value of occupational therapy in your workplace, community or event.
The posters and ‘Occupations matter’ leaflets highlight different ways occupational therapists support people.
Occupational Therapy is a degree-level profession, so you would need to complete a programme of study at one of the accredited higher education institutions that offer occupational therapy courses in the UK. We also have We also have support staff working in Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor posts. There are alternative ways to access undergraduate programmes, some people undertake a HNC in Occupational Therapy and enter the undergraduate course in Year 2. We are committed to offering student education in all our mental health services.
NHS Recruitment Video (insert when ready). Contact Pauline Johnstone (AHP Corporate lead).
This provides you and your family with general guidance on how to care for your back following spinal surgery. It will concentrate on providing you with information on physiotherapy and what to expect following your surgery.
Most questions should be covered here however it does not replace discussion between you and your physiotherapist or surgeon.
The success of your operation is a team effort including doctors, nurses, physiotherapist, occupational, your family and most importantly you.
Immediately after surgery
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Pain Management
You will have some pain following your operation. Due to the wound and swelling around the nerves, you may also experience leg pain, but this is expected to settle within 6 weeks as the swelling subsides. A degree of pain is normal at this stage as the healing process starts. It is important you inform the nursing staff if your pain is increasing so we can help you manage this. Controlling your pain not only helps you move, and sleep better but also aids in your overall well-being. The anaesthetist and ward staff will discuss pain relief options with you, and a pain management nurse may visit you after the operation. It is important not to suddenly stop your painkillers but to gradually reduce your dosage. If pain or swelling significantly increases, please contact your physiotherapist, GP, orthopaedic clinic, or attend your local minor injuries clinic for advice. For details, see the information at the end of the booklet. It is worth noting that the primary goal of the surgery is to relieve leg symptoms. While you may not experience immediate relief from your back pain, as your pain gradually decreases and mobility improves, we hope to see an improvement.
Physiotherapy
We will aim to get you up after you have recovered from the anaesthetic, this can be on the same day as your operation, and it will likely be a Physiotherapist who will assist you. We will check your sensation and movement before showing you the correct way to get up out of the bed. We will then help you to start walking and if necessary, provide you with a walking aid to help you walk until you are independent. It is common to still have attachments such as a drip or catheter after surgery, but this will not prevent you from mobilising. Once you are independent walking, with or without a walking aid, you will be shown how to go up and down the stairs if you are required to do this at home. You will be taught exercises to increase the movement and strength of your back. This will ensure you get the best outcome out of your surgery. It will help if you start these exercises straight away although there may be some circumstances where your consultant does not want you to start exercises straight after your operation. If this is the case, then your physiotherapist will advise you. If you decide to take up the offer of Physiotherapy, your Physiotherapist will likely encourage you to continue progressing your exercises and walking while addressing any concerns you may have. You are likely to feel that your pain and function are already improving at this stage and may require very minimal input from our service. Physiotherapy input can vary depending on your pain, function and confidence levels. Physiotherapy will involve guiding you through and advancing your post op exercises to improve your overall function and address any concerns you may have during this period. Every person is different therefore your recovery may take longer or shorter than the timescales recommended. The most important thing is that you are improving and trying to move and do more each week.
Return to daily living
With all activities you should use your common sense and listen to your body. Mild aches after a new activity are acceptable but severe pain is not.
Improvements can continue for 18 months with the current evidence showing that a more active approach in your rehabilitation will have better outcomes.
Walking
It is important to keep moving after your surgery. Regular walking is highly encouraged as it plays a crucial role in aiding your recovery and overall function. Especially within the initial 6 weeks, it is advisable to gradually increase both the distance and pace of your walks as your pain allows, taking care not to worsen any discomfort. While there is no strict limit on the distance you can walk, starting slowly and gradually on even surfaces may provide greater comfort.
Sitting
You should gradually build up sitting during activities like eating or relaxing and this should be guided by your pain. Limit sitting to 15 minutes for the first few days after your surgery and once you are comfortable you can start to build this time up.
Work
You will need to be off work for between 2-6 weeks depending on your job. If your job involves heavier or more manual tasks, you may be advised to remain off work for up to 12 weeks This will vary from person to person and your surgeon will advise you about your individual case. It is also sensible to discuss with your employer if you can return to light duties initially or reduced hours, making sure that you can regularly move about. The hospital can give you a fit note (used to be known as a sick note) if necessary.
Driving
We do not recommend sitting for extended periods after your surgery, including driving. However, if you have no altered sensation or weakness in your legs, you may resume driving when you feel confident and safe to do so. Generally, we advise waiting a minimum of 2 weeks before driving, although this could be extended to 4 weeks depending on factors such as pain levels, the need for pain relief medication, and the ability to safely perform an emergency stop. If you do require to drive longer distances, ensure you take regular breaks to stretch your legs. Before leaving the hospital, please discuss driving with your surgeon and remember to check with your insurance company.
Early Stage Exercises (0-4 weeks)
Static Abdominals
Static Glutes
Prone Lying
Knee Hugs
Sit to Stand
Intermediate Stage (4-8 weeks)
Gradually increase walking tolerance slowly and incrementally. Generally, walk for 10-15 minutes and gradually increase as you feel comfortable. Monitoring your step count can be a helpful guide with this. You can also begin to add in these exercises which will help with regaining your movement and strength. You may feel some pain at your back while doing these exercises however it should settle back down to normal within 15 minutes of completion. Use your own pain and function as a guide however we would recommend doing between 8-12 repetitions of each exercise 2-3 times per day
Range of Movement (ROM) exercises
Flexion in lying (knees to chest)
Extension in lying
Childs pose
Flexion in sitting
Slouch overcorrect
Spinal flexion/extension in 4-point kneeling
Neuro mobility
Neural flossing in lying with hip and knee at 90 degrees – straighten leg until tension is felt – do both legs, one at a time – operated and non-operated.
Can progress this same exercise to sitting as able.
Strengthening exercises
Glute Bridge
Can progress onto single leg once you can do about 20 reps comfortably
Sit to stand/half squat to a bench
Bird dog/Superman’s
Dead bug
Advanced/ later stage exercises
Continue with intermediate ROM exercises and aim to try and increase your flexibility particularly with movements that still feels tight or restricted.
You should continue to work on your strengthening exercises and as time progresses and your symptoms allow, you can continue to challenge yourself with these exercises by either increasing the frequency, speed, repetitions or adding an additional weight/resistance band..
Sports and Hobbies
Gentle low impact and non-contact sports can start at 4-6 weeks, e.g. – cycling and swimming.
Contact sports should be avoided at first but, you can get back to them after 10-12 weeks however it is sensible to be undertaking other types of exercises such as walking, cycling, and gym work before returning to contact sports. If you need specific guidance and advice on returning to your preferred sport, your physiotherapist can guide you.
You can return to jogging around 10 weeks and it is advisable to gradually build up your time and distance. It is also never too late to start, and jogging/running has so many beneficial health benefits you may wish to look at the NHS Couch to 5k App for a more specific training plan. Get running with Couch to 5K – NHS
As your function improves remember the UK Government guidelines for physical activity levels:
Some people will notice improvements immediately after surgery and others will be feeling much better by around 6 weeks. However, everyone is different, and improvements can continue for 18 months with the current evidence showing that a more active approach in your rehabilitation will have better outcomes.
Contact Information
In an emergency
In an emergency go immediately to your nearest Accident and Emergency (Take your GP letter, procedure information sheet and any tablets issued by Day Surgery).
If you have any further queries regarding your operation, please contact the Day Surgery Unit where you had your operation. Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (Ward 10A/10B/10C/ 10D) 0141 452 2700 8.00am – 7.00pm Monday to Friday Out with these hours, if further help or advice is required, contact NHS 24 Telephone No: 111.
If you have any concerns regarding your physical recovery within the first 4 weeks, please contact the physiotherapy team on 0141 452 3713 (Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm). Out with this 4-week period, please discuss with your musculoskeletal physiotherapist.
