Stroke patients in Stockport will now receive enhanced care due to the launch of a new specialist orthoptist service.

The service will provide specialist care for the eye conditions which stroke patients often experience. It will offer screening, assessment, and management for stroke survivors; identifying visual disturbances early means more effective treatment.

The new service will be based at Stepping Hill Hospital, with the capacity to work in the wider community.

The service was launched in a special ceremony at Stepping Hill, with speakers including clinicians, stroke patients, and even Professor Fiona Rowe, a Professor of Orthoptics at the University of Liverpool.

Over 70% of stroke survivors will suffer with some form of visual disturbance, which can affect their ability to manage with day to day activities and jobs.

As part of the service, patients will also be monitored in a community setting for their visual problems, ensuring ongoing rehabilitation and support care.

Stockport NHS estimates there are over 750 local stroke survivors a year who experience eye conditions who will benefit from the service. 

Fiona Bush, head orthoptist for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Visual and ocular disturbances are very common among stroke patients, and can have a huge impact on their lives.

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"Having a specialist service for diagnosis of this as early as possible will be a huge benefit for these patients, and help us to provide them with the care, treatment and support they need.

"We're very pleased that we can now provide this enhanced care for our stroke survivors."

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