This clinical guideline sets out the general principles for managing strabismus in children. It is intended for ophthalmologists and supports multidisciplinary working with orthoptists, optometrists, paediatricians, GPs, health visitors and school screening services. The document explains the aims of management, including excluding serious underlying ocular or neurological disease, maintaining or restoring visual acuity, improving ocular alignment and supporting binocular single vision where possible.
It covers assessment in detail, including history, visual function, binocular vision, ocular alignment, ocular movements, ocular examination, refraction and indications for neuro-imaging. The guideline also outlines treatment approaches such as glasses, amblyopia therapy, monitoring, surgery and other interventions where appropriate, alongside service requirements, communication and care pathways.
This document remains useful as a reference point for the assessment and management of childhood strabismus. It is currently under review, with an updated publication expected in 2027.