My child's eye drifts to the side

[AGoodPirate]

Do I need a doctor, or an optician? Or should I make appointments at both?

Optician. They can usually refer direct to the orthoptists if need be

Sounds like lazy eye, an appointment a either GP or optician should get you the referral you need.

Hi, My DD(18mo)'s does the same. I spoke to the gp who looked at it and referred me to the hospital for tests. They basically said that she could see well out of both eyes and the squint wasn't affecting her so just to keep an eye on it (excuse the pun!) and get her eyes tested as usual. She may need a patch if it's still drifting off when she's 3.

You can ask for a referral to the eye clinic at the hospital from your HV. My HV told me that they have to make the referral for unders ones if the parents have any concerns. If your child is a bit older than that then I'd go to the GP and ask for a referral.

Thanks everyone! :)

How old is DC? HV by far the quickest route where we are, may be the GP where you are, just don't delay. Our referral was messed up initially and DD2 probably lost vision while we waited. My DD had a considerable prescription, obviously I hope that it MadBAnners' experience is the more usual one

We went to optician with DS for this just before he was 3. She referred us to hospital (opthalmologist?) by giving us a letter to give to GP.