Pediatric Ophthalmology
Pediatric OphthalmologyEnsuring that Children See Well Throughout Their Lives
Children can experience various eye problems that differ from those in adults. These problems often require special attention. It’s crucial to catch and treat potential eye problems early to ensure that children have good vision as they get older, NewYork-Presbyterian’s pediatric ophthalmologists are expertly trained to diagnose, monitor, and treat the complete range of pediatric eye conditions. We coordinate care with our subspecialists to make sure your child receives the most innovative, safe, and advanced treatments available to provide excellent eye care for your child.
About Our Program
NewYork-Presbyterian offers comprehensive vision services for pediatric patients of all ages. Our eye care teams provide advanced and comprehensive care to meet the vision needs of children at every life stage.
Pediatric ophthalmologists are ophthalmologists who have undergone additional training to understand infants’ and children’s eyes.
We provide a full range of diagnostic testing and eye and vision care for your child, including evaluations for failed vision screening and common conditions such as strabismus and amblyopia. We also care for children with less common conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, retinal degenerations and retinal genetic disorders.
If your child has a complex eye problem that requires a team approach, our pediatric ophthalmologists work collaboratively with other specialists throughout NewYork-Presbyterian. This includes orthoptists and optometrists, pediatric neurologists, endocrinologists, geneticists, rheumatologists, neuro-radiologists, otolaryngologists, and neonatologists.
Who Should Be Seen By a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?
- Children with parents or siblings with certain eye conditions, such as strabismus or amblyopia
- Children with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, blood problems, metabolic problems, and genetic diseases like neurofibromatosis
- Children with poor vision, eye pain, changes in the shape or size of an eye, crossed or wandering eyes, or an abnormal appearance to the pupil of one or both eyes; these can all be signs of serious eye conditions and should be evaluated by a physician.
What we treat
At NewYork-Presbyterian, our pediatric ophthalmologists combine years of training and experience with cutting-edge research to provide a personalized and compassionate approach to a wide range of eye conditions in children, including:
- Abnormal vision development
- Adult strabismus
- Amblyopia (“lazy eye”)
- Congenital malformations of the eye
- Double vision
- Eye and vision disorders linked to genetic diseases
- Eye and vision disorders related to neurologic and neurosurgical conditions
- Eye and vision disorders in craniofacial syndromes
- Lacrimal duct obstructions (blocked tear ducts)
- Nystagmus (fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyes)
- Pediatric cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases
- Ptosis (drooping eyelids)
- Strabismus (eye misalignment or abnormal eye movements)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis and TreatmentWe provide a full range of diagnostic testing and eye and vision care for your child, including evaluations for failed vision screening and common conditions such as strabismus and amblyopia. We also care for children with less common conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, and retinal degenerations and genetic retinal disorders.
In addition, because the surgical techniques involved in treating strabismus (muscle problems of the eyes) are best learned in a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship, our physicians often treat adult strabismus as well. Our child-friendly physicians and staff, the latest diagnostic equipment and surgical techniques, and state-of-the-art facilities all help us in our mission to provide excellent care for your child.
Specialized Vision Services
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Our specialists in Neuro-Ophthalmology care for neurologic and systemic disorders that affect how a child’s brain perceives vision. Together with pediatric neurologists and other specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian, we employ the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to ensure our patients receive the best possible care.
Ophthalmic Oncology
At NewYork-Presbyterian, Ophthalmic Oncology (eye cancer) specialists provide comprehensive care for adult and pediatric patients with eye malignancies. A recognized center of excellence for rare and complex cancers, our caring physicians deliver the highest level of treatment and compassionate care while engaging in rigorous research for cures for certain types of eye cancers.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Oculoplastics)
Our ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery specialists treat disorders or injuries that affect the area around the eye. We also manage various cosmetic conditions that affect children's face and eye area.
Specialized Help for Children with Low Vision
We work closely with Lighthouse Guild International, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping blind or vision-impaired children, especially those with multiple disabilities. The Lighthouse Guild provides these children with low-vision rehabilitation, mental health counseling, and educational programs.
Our Approach to Care
Our Approach to CareHolistic and Comprehensive Care
We recognize that every child is unique. We take a holistic approach to care that considers the entire patient, including her physical, emotional, and social factors. We strive to partner with patients and families in shared decision-making, empowering them with knowledge, support, and the most effective treatment options to achieve the best possible outcome for every child.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Our pediatric ophthalmologists have close relations with pediatric neurologists, neuro-radiologists, otolaryngologists, and neonatologists, providing continuity of care for any child with issues related to eyes and vision. They also collaborate with NewYork-Presbyterian’s network of specialists in all areas of pediatric medicine and surgery, allowing us to provide state-of-the-art, comprehensive, and coordinated care for any medical issue or concern.
Parents As Team Members
As a parent, only you can provide important information about your child. You can also help other team members shape your child’s personalized treatment program based on your child’s physical, emotional, and practical needs. Your input is critical for making final decisions regarding your child’s care, and our multidisciplinary team is here to work alongside you and your family to achieve the greatest possible outcomes for your child.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose UsLeading Children’s Hospitals
NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital are among the nation’s leading centers for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood diseases. They are major referral centers for complex and rare disorders in infants, children, and adolescents.
Expert Care and Pioneering Therapies
Our pediatric ophthalmologists have pioneered the development of lasers, modern retinal surgery techniques, and glaucoma drugs. They are committed to seeking new and better methods of preventing vision loss and all eye disorders in children.
Groundbreaking Research
We are active participants in a federally funded study looking for genes involved in retinopathy of prematurity — the leading cause of blindness in infancy.
Access to World-Class Pediatric Specialists
NewYork-Presbyterian has nationally renowned specialists in every field of pediatrics so that your child will have access to all of the various pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists who practice at NewYork-Presbyterian they may need. This will ensure that your child’s medical needs can be addressed under one roof.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital
Pediatric Ophthalmology
NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital
Pediatric Ophthalmology