A squint (strabismus) in childhood is more than a cosmetic concern. If untreated, it can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) — a permanent reduction in vision in the turned eye — and disrupt the development of normal binocular vision. Early assessment and, where needed, prompt treatment give children the best chance of a good visual outcome.
Why specialist expertise matters in childhood squint
Mr Mohamed Mohyudin is double fellowship trained, with a dedicated subspecialty fellowship in paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus surgery. Children's squint is not simply adult squint in a smaller patient — the visual system is developing, amblyopia management runs alongside surgical planning, and timing decisions require specialist experience.
Mr Mohyudin treats paediatric squint both as a Substantive NHS Consultant at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and privately at Spire Elland Hospital, Halifax.
Types of squint treated
- Esotropia (convergent squint) — one or both eyes turning inward; the most common type in young children.
- Exotropia (divergent squint) — one or both eyes turning outward.
- Accommodative esotropia — inward squint driven by the focusing effort of a long-sighted eye; often managed with glasses first.
- Vertical squint (hypertropia / hypotropia) — one eye sitting higher or lower than the other.
- Intermittent squint — squint that is not always present, typically becoming visible when the child is tired or unwell.
Non-surgical management
Not all squints require surgery. Mr Mohyudin will first confirm whether glasses, patching (occlusion therapy), or other non-surgical measures are appropriate. Surgery is considered once amblyopia has been treated, the prescription has been stabilised, and the squint angle has settled.
What the surgery involves
Squint surgery in children is performed under general anaesthetic as a day case — your child comes in on the morning of the operation and goes home the same day. Mr Mohyudin adjusts the tension of the extraocular muscles that control eye movement, to improve alignment.
Recovery
- Day-case surgery — home the same day.
- Redness and mild discomfort for 1–3 weeks — normal and expected.
- Antibiotic eye drops for 2 weeks post-operatively.
- Return to school: typically within 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid swimming and contact sports for 4 weeks.
- Follow-up review with Mr Mohyudin is included.
When to seek an urgent assessment
Seek prompt review if your child has:
- Any visible squint after age 3–4 months
- A white reflex (leukocoria) visible in the pupil in photographs — always urgent
- A drooping eyelid covering the pupil
- A failed school or pre-school vision screening
- Strong protest when one eye is covered
Book a paediatric squint assessment
Call Spire Elland Hospital on 01422 324000 or book online. No GP referral required for self-pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a child have squint surgery?
There is no fixed minimum age — surgery timing is guided by the type of squint, its impact on vision development, and whether glasses and patching have been tried first. Mr Mohyudin will discuss the optimal timing for your child at consultation. Early intervention is often important to prevent or treat amblyopia (lazy eye).
Is squint surgery done under general anaesthetic in children?
Yes. Squint surgery in children is always performed under general anaesthetic. It is a day-case procedure — your child comes in on the morning of the operation and goes home the same day. The anaesthetic team at Spire Elland is experienced in paediatric cases.
Will my child need glasses after squint surgery?
Surgery corrects the mechanical alignment of the eyes; it does not change the prescription. If your child was wearing glasses before surgery, they will almost certainly continue to need them afterwards. In some cases — particularly accommodative esotropia — glasses remain essential to maintain the alignment achieved by surgery.
How long is the recovery after paediatric squint surgery?
The eye is typically red and slightly sore for 1–3 weeks following surgery. Most children return to school within 1–2 weeks. Contact sports and swimming should be avoided for 4 weeks. Antibiotic eye drops are prescribed for 2 weeks post-operatively.
How long is the NHS waiting list for children's squint surgery in Yorkshire?
NHS waiting times for paediatric strabismus surgery can be several months, and in some cases longer. Private surgery with Mr Mohyudin at Spire Elland Hospital is typically available within a few weeks of consultation — which can be important when the window for treating amblyopia is time-sensitive.
Could my child need a second operation?
Yes, in some cases. Achieving the desired alignment in one procedure is the goal, but the eyes can drift over time as the child grows, or the first procedure may need fine-tuning. Mr Mohyudin will explain the likelihood of this for your child's specific squint at consultation.
Is a GP referral needed for a private paediatric squint assessment?
No GP referral is required for a self-pay consultation. For insurance-funded consultations, your insurer may require a referral — check with them before booking. Mr Mohyudin also sees NHS paediatric patients at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.
Book a Consultation
Private paediatric consultations within 1–2 weeks at Spire Elland Hospital. No GP referral required.
Book at Spire Elland ↗ Call 01422 324000Insurance Accepted
Bupa (Fee-Assured), AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Cigna and all major UK insurers.