A unique integration of Vision Care, and a natural environment, alongside a good dose of soft play.
In November and March, Royal Cornwall NHS Trust had the opportunity to deliver an Orthoptic outreach clinic within the grounds of Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary, an initiative designed to explore alternative clinical environments that promote patient comfort and enhance community access to eye care.
The site offered large, bright, quiet rooms for clinical assessments. Our ‘waiting area’ was a large challenging soft play space with giant slides, climb ropes, squeeze rollers and roller poles as well as a toddlers’ zone with ball fountain. Our balcony and windows overlooked the gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary, providing a relaxed backdrop.
Families also had access to ENT, Dental services, family help services, including stop smoking and alcohol support, healthy eating etc
Families reported the setting felt less clinical. One anxious child declared he was ‘ready [for ENT] now’ after a few minutes of soft play.
The day demonstrated that Orthoptic care can be effectively delivered in non-traditional environments when supported by thoughtful planning. Our portable Orthoptics equipment such as prism bars, fixation targets, vision books or tablets allow us to maintain high clinical standards despite working off site.
Both clinics ran smoothly. We hope to repeat the initiative, would encourage other Orthoptic departments to consider collaboration with local community spaces, nature centres or wellbeing organisations. It proved to be both clinically productive and deeply rewarding for the patients and clinicians alike.
