It has been a busy year for Stroke Specialist Orthoptists with lots of changes to our Guidance! It was wonderful to see such a great turnout for the rescheduled Stroke and Neuro Study Day in Birmingham in September, which did not disappoint! We had a variety of speakers, covering brilliant topics…

• RNIB showcased how invaluable our ECLOs are, with the majority of their referrals in Birmingham being for stroke patients. This means we have an amazing resource to be utilised for our patients, so get to know your ECLO!
• Driving is always a popular topic; we had a fantastic talk (which wasn’t short of humour), hearing a patient perspective about exploring the ‘Exceptional Rule’. Returning to driving has given a stroke survivor his independence back after overcoming many obstacles!
• Vision and motion were fascinating topics which challenged our perception of the world and what we call ‘normal’! The overview focussed on areas of the brain which researchers are concentrating their efforts on, to understand in more detail.
• Stroke research updates were not in short supply, so don’t forget to catch up on the UOL Vision and Research unit Research – Institute of Population Health – University of Liverpool to see brilliant publications in the world of Stroke!
• The Brain Injury associated Visual Impairment – Impact Questionnaire (BIVI-IQ) can change the way we monitor quality of life changes in our stroke patients. This tool can lead to more practical and targeted therapy for stroke patients!
• SSNAP has now begun…For the first time, Orthoptic input is being monitored in this National Audit Programme, which started on 1st October 2024. The Clinical Advisory Group are keen to ensure the accuracy of all Trusts’ SSNAP entries, so Orthoptists in attendance were being prepared for this with scenario workshops! The study day highlighted the importance of a standardised and validated tool being used with stroke patients!
• Not forgetting the Neuro side, we had a fascinating talk on Traumatic Brain Injury, with anatomical recaps and expected prognosis, presented by one of the Major Trauma Centre’s Neurologists!

There is lots more to come at the highly regarded UKSF, due to be held in Liverpool in December, with a vision slot on the Wednesday, so do look to go if you can! UK Stroke Forum | Stroke Association

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