« RETURN TO FAQs

Pediatric Ophthalmologist

Pediatric ophthalmologists are medical and surgical doctors (Eye M.D.s) who specialize in the eye problems of children. In particular, vision develops in the brain until about age 9 years and can be affected by eyes that are not straight or do not focus correctly. A child can grow up with good vision in each eye if these problems are caught early, treated and maintained.

All ophthalmologists have training in children’s eye problems, but the pediatric ophthalmologist has had additional training and practice in examining children and caring for their eye problems. If your primary care doctor suggests that your child have his or her eyes checked, a pediatric ophthalmologist will have the greatest knowledge of the possible conditions and the greatest experience in examining children effectively.

What is AAPOS?

What are the requirements to become a member of AAPOS?

To be a full member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), a pediatric ophthalmologist has to complete one or two additional years of training with children following a 4-year residency, and must devote at least 75% of his/her practice to children.  

What kind of training do members of AAPOS have?

• Medical school graduation, after a bachelor’s degree
• Internship in a general area of training
• Residency in ophthalmology- 3 to 4 years, passing the American Board of Ophthalmology examinations
• Fellowship in an AAPOS approved program for one or two years--seeing children with any kind of eye problem and adults who have misaligned eyes (strabismus)

What types of examinations do pediatric ophthalmologists provide?

• Vision testing- it takes particular skill to assess a child’s vision, particularly before the child is in school.  Different methods have to be used at different ages.
• Measuring eye position in all patients who have misaligned eyes (strabismus)
• Examining the eye for abnormal structures, parts of the eye that are not functioning, signs that diseases are affecting the eyes such as genetic conditions, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes, and injuries.
• Examinations of uncooperative, very young children including premature babies.
• Determine what type and strength glasses a child needs at any age, by measuring the focusing ability of the eye (retinoscopy) after drops have made the pupils larger.

What kinds of treatments do pediatric ophthalmologists provide?

• Amblyopia (undeveloped vision or the vision part of “lazy eye”) including glasses, patching, and dilating drops.
• Glasses prescriptions for simple lack of focus such as nearsightedness, astigmatism or farsightedness.   Some fit contact lenses as well.
• Infection such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers and the tissue around the eye (orbit).
• Inflammation inside the eye (iritis) from arthritis conditions and injuries
• Glaucoma, high pressure in the eye, is treated by some pediatric ophthalmologists.

• Eye muscle surgery for misaligned eyes in patients of any age.
• Blocked tear ducts
• Cataract surgery in children
• Repair of injuries of the eye
• Some do laser surgery in premature babies, glaucoma surgery, or droopy eye lid surgery (ptosis).  This varies with the interest, training, and experience of the pediatric ophthalmologist.

Where can I find a pediatric ophthalmologist?

The AAPOS website lists pediatric ophthalmologists by name and location. Click on the "Find a Doctor" box to your right.

Why is a pediatric ophthalmologist an excellent choice for children’s eye care?

Children are not just small adults.  They cannot always say what is bothering them.  They cannot always answer medical questions, and are not always able to be patient and cooperative during a medical examination. Children have different eye conditions from adults, particularly for vision development in the brain.

Pediatric ophthalmologists know how to examine and treat children in a way that makes them relaxed and cooperative.  In addition, pediatric ophthalmologists use equipment specially designed for children.  Most pediatric ophthalmologists’ offices are arranged and decorated with children in mind.  This includes the examination rooms and waiting rooms, which may have toys, videos, and reading materials for children.  This helps create a comfortable and nonthreatening environment for your child.

* Adapted from What is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist? American Academy of Pediatrics, ©2000.