Seven-year-old Freya has grown in confidence and is thriving at school after early treatment from a specialist team at Watford General Hospital transformed her vision.
Freya was around three years old when her mum, Danielle Cornelious, noticed that one of her eyes was misaligned, and appeared to be turning outwards. With a family history of squint, Danielle asked their GP for an early referral to the hospital’s Orthoptics team.
Orthoptists diagnose and manage problems with eye movement and the way the eyes work together. With around 300 paediatric referrals a year, their specialist assessment and treatment support patients across hospital and community care.
Freya, from Watford, was assessed and treated with glasses and eye patches. She now no longer needs either, and the improvement in her sight has helped her with reading, writing, artwork and schoolwork while also giving her confidence in her everyday life. Now, she can fully embrace the things she loves to do, including dance, football and netball.
Sunira Patel, Head Orthoptist at Watford General Hospital, explained why detecting eye problems early in childhood is so important:
“Blurred vision can feel normal to children and may appear as poor concentration, copying peers or a reluctance to participate in school.
“Children’s vision develops until roughly age seven, making early screening and treatment particularly important.
“Freya is a prime example of how early detection of eye problems in childhood can support the child to thrive and grow into confident individuals.”
Danielle said the change in her daughter has extended far beyond her eyesight: “It’s not just that she can see smaller letters on a chart, it’s the fact that she is able to do more at school. She’s always been a happy kid, but now she’s happy and confident.”
For Danielle, Freya’s renewed enjoyment of learning has been especially meaningful. She said the care provided by Sunira and the team made the family feel heard and reassured throughout treatment:
“It always feels like you’re known when you come in here. I feel like we have had the best possible care. Sunira genuinely feels like she cares. It’s not just a case of ticking boxes. Making us feel like we’re heard and that she knows us as her patients makes a big difference.”
“Freya regularly tells me how much she loves Sunira and she’s quite sad that she will be discharged soon. Thank you to Sunira and the team for all the reassurance, smiles and for making me feel comfortable. We’ll be sad to say goodbye”
Surina highlighted how orthoptists often see children at a very young age and can help identify when concerns extend beyond eyesight or eye movement.
Although they cannot diagnose conditions outside their speciality, their assessments may indicate possible learning, developmental, or speech and language, issues, and Orthoptists are able to refer to the appropriate service.
“Sometimes families come to us because they think a child’s vision is affected, but our testing shows there is no physical eyesight problem. Because we see children so young, we may be the first to notice that something else needs further assessment and help make sure they get the right care.”
Freya is now nearly ready to be discharge from Watford General Hospital and will continue to have her vision monitored by her local optician.
Freya’s story underlines the importance of early detection of eye problems in children. If you have concerns about your child’s vision, please contact your Health Visitor, GP or local Optician.