Visually impaired children who have cancer, acquired brain injuries, multiple disabilities or complex health needs now have access to exclusive eye clinics.

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust introduced eye clinics specifically for children from the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton and the Children’s Trust in Tadworth.

Specialist children’s eye doctor Jane Leitch helped set up the new clinics.

She said: “Giving these children specific clinics helps them in a number of ways.

“Firstly, we see less of these patients a day, so we are able to dedicate more time to each child.

“It also means those children with suppressed immune systems, who are vulnerable to other infections, do not have to wait in a waiting room with people who have may have coughs and colds.

“Some children may not be able to communicate with their carers and doctors the way healthy children can, some – such as those with neuro-disabilities or brain tumours – may be of a speaking age but actually require tests designed for younger children.

“These new clinics give us that flexibility. They mean we can take our time to make sure the child is getting the best possible individual care.”

The outpatient ophthalmologydepartment is located at Sutton Hospital.

The clinics run specifically for children from the Royal Marsden Hospital and Children’s Trust were launched in September 2009 and see approximately 32 patients a month.