Tonometers for ophthalmology team

16-year-old Blake has Sturge Weber Syndrome and attends regular appointments at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

The Women’s and Children’s Health Network Ophthalmology Team often use a tonometer to check for high pressure in her eyes to manage Glaucoma, and we recently funded the purchase of this equipment to help with eye checks for patients like Blake.

Optometrist, Claire Ong, using a tonometer on Blake.

A tonometer is an important little tool used to measure eye pressure in a range of instances.

Lachlan Knight, Acting Orthoptic Clinical Coordinator, says, “We use tonometers for many reasons on children of all ages, particularly for the care of patients with chronic conditions who may be at risk of eye problems such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We can also use them for patients who have been admitted due to eye injury or suspected injury. ”

This equipment can also help to diagnose glaucoma in children, which is especially useful for babies who cannot describe what they are seeing or feeling.

Lachlan says, “Most importantly, this portable piece of equipment means we can get an instant ‘on the spot’ measurement without the need for anaesthesia.”

“We are so thankful to have the support of the WCH Foundation to allow us to utilise the newest and best technology for our patients.”

A big thank you to SA Power Networks Employee Foundation for contributing to this project.