Squint surgery referral refers to the structured evaluation, counseling, and coordination of patients who require surgical correction of strabismus, a condition characterized by misalignment of the eyes. Squint surgery is performed to realign the eye muscles, restore binocular vision where possible, alleviate symptoms such as double vision, and improve cosmetic appearance. Effective referral pathways ensure timely intervention and optimal outcomes, especially in children where visual development is still ongoing.

Strabismus can present at birth, develop during childhood, or appear later in adulthood due to neurological, muscular, or systemic causes. While some cases can be managed with glasses, prisms, or vision therapy, surgical intervention becomes necessary when misalignment is significant, persistent, or causes functional impairment. Early referral is particularly important in pediatric patients to prevent amblyopia and promote normal binocular vision development.

The referral process begins with comprehensive ophthalmic assessment, including evaluation of visual acuity, refractive error, eye alignment in different gaze positions, ocular motility, and binocular function. Detailed documentation of the type and degree of deviation, associated symptoms, and previous treatments is essential. In adults, additional investigations may be required to rule out neurological causes.

Coordination of squint surgery involves patient education about surgical goals, expectations, and limitations. While surgery improves alignment, it may not eliminate the need for glasses or guarantee perfect binocular vision in all cases. Informed counseling helps manage expectations and improves satisfaction.

Squint surgery is typically performed as a day-care procedure under general anesthesia in children and local or general anesthesia in adults. The surgeon adjusts the tension or position of the eye muscles to achieve alignment. Postoperative care includes medications, temporary activity restrictions, and follow-up visits to monitor alignment stability.

Referral coordination also includes postoperative rehabilitation, which may involve continued vision therapy, glasses adjustment, or amblyopia treatment. In some cases, additional surgery may be required to fine-tune alignment.

A structured squint surgery referral system ensures seamless care from diagnosis to postoperative recovery. By enabling timely surgical correction, it improves visual function, reduces psychosocial impact, and enhances long-term quality of life for both children and adults.