According to the Stroke Foundation, in 2020 one person every 19 minutes experienced a stroke for the first time, and more than 445 087 Australians are living with the effects of stroke. One third of stroke survivors experience vision loss. Visual field loss, visual neglect and agnosia, eye movement control issues resulting in restricted movement or diplopia and even dry eyes are vision problems often experienced by a stroke survivor.

The important contribution the Orthoptist can make in the care of stroke survivors in the hospital and rehabilitation setting is well documented in the comprehensive vision assessment that they can perform, the fitting of Fresnel prisms for diplopia, training in adapting to a visual field loss and/or visual neglect, providing orthoptic exercises and educating families and patients regarding the impact their vison loss may have on daily activities (Courtney-Harris, 2021).

The Low Vision Orthoptist is in a unique and important position to assist stroke survivors navigate their way through their visual rehabilitation, outside the clinical setting, and ensure they have the skills and tools to be able to live the life they choose. This presentation will describe a case study of a stroke survivor and client of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. It will demonstrate how a Low Vision Orthoptist uses their clinical knowledge to assist in functional, everyday activities, and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in achieving outcomes.