The information provided here is to help with understanding about specific eye conditions and to assist in determining appropriate teaching strategies for use in educational settings.
This page is in development and we will continue to add main eye conditions and provide information around causes, symptoms and treatment.
Types of eye doctors
Ophthalmologist
The ophthalmologist is a doctor trained in the treatment of diseases of the eye. Most ophthalmologists perform eye surgery and have an interest or specialise in a particular part of the eye e.g. retina, cornea, eye muscles.
The BLENNZ ophthalmologist visits Homai Campus one morning a week and works with the National Assessment Service team. He will undertake a comprehensive examination of the eyes of the akonga and offers medical and diagnostic information and advice to whānau, caregivers and teaching teams.
Optometrist
The optometrist is a trained professional who assesses visual function, prescribes corrective lenses (spectacles/contact lenses) and low vision aids. Optometrists who have therapeutic endorsement may also prescribe topical medicines (ointment and drops) to use in the eye when necessary.
The BLENNZ optometrist also visits Homai Campus one morning a week in conjunction with the ophthalmologist. Her role is to assess the need for glasses or low vision aids and offer advice and information to parents, caregivers and teachers.
Orthoptist
The orthoptist specialises in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of strabismus (often called ‘squint’ or ‘lazy eye’), amblyopia and eye movement problems. They see a large number of children as strabismus and amblyopia usually need treatment during early childhood.
We currently do not have an orthoptist at BLENNZ. They are generally based within an eye department at the local District Health Board/Hospital.
An easy way to remember what an orthoptist does is: Orthoptics: Ortho = straight; Optics = eyes.
Types of eye conditions
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Achromotopsia
Achromatopsia is a non-progressive and hereditary visual disorder characterised by decreased vision, light sensitivity and the absence of colour vision.
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Albinism
Albinism is a rare group of genetic disorders with a deficiency of melanin pigment production, which causes the skin, hair or eyes to have little or no colour.
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Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Learn about causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for Amblyopia, a common vision condition affecting early childhood development.
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Aniridia
Aniridia is the partial or complete absence of iris tissue in the eye. It is usually associated with poor vision due to fovea and optic nerve hypoplasia. Aniridia can be familial or sporadic.
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Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is curved more in one direction than in the other. The shape of the eye is more similar to a football than a rugby ball.
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Childhood Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition which causes damage to the optic nerve of the eye due to higher than normal intraocular pressure and is relatively rare in children.
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Cloudy Cornea (in children)
Cloudy cornea occurs if the cornea has lost this transparency from various eye diseases. Cloudy Cornea is also known as Corneal Dystrophy.
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Coloboma
Coloboma may affect the eye structure in isolation, or it can occur due to chromosomal abnormalities that involve other body structures.
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Congenital Cataract
The natural crystalline lens behind the pupil is largely responsible for focusing images onto the retina (tissue in the back of the eye). The natural lens should be clear and transparent.
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Cortical Visual Impairment / Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
CVI is a condition where a reduced visual response occurs due to damage to the posterior visual system in the brain while typically the eye itself is normal
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Hypermetropia / Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Discover how hypermetropia affects vision and impacts learning. Learn about symptoms, treatments, and educational implications for farsightedness in children and young people.
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Keratoconus
Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for keratoconus, a progressive eye disease. Find educational implications for young people with this condition.
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Lebers Congenital Amaurosis
Lebers Congenital Amaurosis is a spectrum of inherited conditions that causes poor vision in early childhood, symptoms often appear around 2-3 months of age.
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Myopia (Shortsightedness)
Discover how myopia affects vision and learn about its causes, treatments, and educational implications. BLENNZ provides insights for supporting shortsighted learners.
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Nystagmus
Nystagmus is an abnormality of eye movements where the eyes shake spontaneously. It is caused by either poor vision or central nerve system abnormalities.
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Optic Nerve Atrophy
Optic nerve atrophy is a morphologic description of a pale looking optic nerve when there has been a loss of volume of the optic nerve tissue.
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Peter’s Anomaly
Peter's Anomaly is a rare eye condition affecting corneal clarity. Learn about its causes, associated issues, and treatment options for children with visual impairments.
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Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
Retinitis Pigmentosa is a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina and cause a loss of peripheral vision.
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Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma grows from immature retinal cells. It is the most common malignant intraocular tumour in children less than five years of age.
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Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy
Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy affects the macula, which is a specialised region of the eye that we use for seeing straight ahead and in detail.
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Strabismus (Squint)
Learn about causes, types, and treatment options for children with strabismus (squint), a common eye condition affecting vision alignment.