A 28 year old mum brings her 2 year old daughter, Sophie, into see you. Mum has noticed a squint when Sophie is concentrating on things up close for the last couple of months. She tells you that Sophie’s dad had a squint as a child and wears glasses. You examine the child and confirm a convergent squint.

Some Questions

1. How would you examine a child with a squint?
   Is squint and strabismus the same thing?
2. Is it important to differentiate between a paralytic and non-paralytic squint?
3. What is the most common cause of childhood squint?
4. Does a child with squint have diplopia?
5. Should you refer this child or watch and wait?
6. If you were to refer, would it be to an Optometrist or an Ophthalmologist?
7. What is the difference between an orthotist and an orthoptist?

Answers