Services A to Z

There are multiple orthoptic clinics that cover all of Glasgow and Clyde.

South Glasgow Hospitals

North Glasgow Hospitals

Clyde Hospitals

Royal College for Sick Children Hospital

Pre-school Visual screening  

See4School is a national screening program that tests for visual defects in children during their pre-school year. Pre-school vision screening | NHS inform is carried out by a qualified Orthoptists or support workers specifically trained by orthoptists to detect reduced vision or binocular vision problems. 

This is usually carried out at the child’s nursey. If your child has been referred for further assessment they will be seen by an orthoptist and optometrist. 

Orthoptic resources  

If you have attended the orthoptic department and you or your child have been started on treatment. You can access some of our information leaflets below.

Orthoptic exercise leaflets  

• Convergence and accommodation exercises
• Stereogram exercises
• PFR bar exercises
• Fusion range exercises with a single prism

Other Useful leaflets

• Occlusion treatment information (BIOS leaflet)
• My Glasses (BIOS leaflet)
• How to fit Fresnel prism
• Information about your child’s squint

Useful Orthoptics websites

• BIOS- Vision problems after stroke or Brian injury
• BIOS- Orthoptic common conditions
• Squint clinic
  

DVLA- Vision requirements to drive (Car licence)

• can read a number plate from 20 metres away
• have no double vision
• have a normal field of vision in at least one eye (your optician can test this)

If you are unsure if you meet these standards this please discuss this with the orthoptist if you are under the orthoptic clinic. If your Orthoptist has told you you do not meet these standards please discuss with the DVLA. You can report your condition online.

We care about your opinon

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  

Careers in Orthoptics

• NHS Health Careers
• BIOS information
• Job profile

May 2025 – Information on Digital Therapies (formerly computerised CBT) has been updated.

Introduction

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 need help

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.

Our Multicultural Dietitian provides nutrition guidance that embraces cultural diversity, supporting health by recognising and respecting a wide range of dietary traditions and preferences. See below for more information.

Respecting Culture, Supporting Health 

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. 

Translated diet sheet

We are developing our range of resources for translated diet sheets

International Dietitians

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. BDA Guidance and HCPC guidance or click on the button below for more information.

Questions you might have…

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.

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. It focuses on understanding what activities (occupations) are important to individuals and what barriers may be preventing them from participating in them. This could be due to mental or physical health challenges or limitations in their environment. By considering their interests, values, and what is meaningful to them, occupational therapy helps people 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.  

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How Occupational Therapy can help you

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 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 (WFOT, 2012).

The process your Occupational Therapist will follow

Occupations

Your Occupational Therapist will explore a range of occupations. An occupation may be:

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 Glasgow
  • Perinatal Mental Health
  • Eating Disorders
  • Forensic Services
  • Complex Needs Service
  • Psychological Trauma Service
  • ADHD – assessment and intervention service (East Renfrewshire only)

For a broader range of occupational therapy needs, visit our Occupational Therapy webpage, or your local authority or HSCP website.

Patient Testimonials

‘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.’ 

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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.

Visit their page at:

Occupational Therapy posters and leaflets – RCOT

These include:

• Living with anxiety and depression
• Living with a long-term condition
• Managing well at work
• Managing well in education
• Living an active life as you get older
• Living well at home
• Living with dementia

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Careers in Mental Health Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is a degree-level profession, requiring the completion of a programme of study at one of the accredited higher education institutions that offer occupational therapy courses in the UK. Beyond the qualified Occupational Therapist role, career opportunities also exist for support staff, such as Occupational Therapy Technical Instructors. For individuals interested in pursuing the degree, there are alternative pathways to access undergraduate programmes; for instance, some undertake a HNC in Occupational Therapy and subsequently enter the undergraduate course in Year 2. The service is committed to offering student education across all its mental health services.

FAQs about careers in Occupational Therapy – RCOT 

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