Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Service
Our strabismus program assists patients with comprehensive management of eye muscle imbalances in children and adults. The services of certified orthoptists are important components of the program, offering special eye measurement tests as well as treatment with glasses, prisms, patches and/or muscle exercises to improve lifelong vision.
The Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Clinic of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences offers state-of-the art and compassionate care to pediatric patients and their families as well as adults with eye misalignment problems (strabismus). We provide comprehensive services for children that range from basic vision exams to specialty diagnosis and care for complex eye problems. Medical and surgical treatments of the entire spectrum of pediatric ophthalmic conditions are also offered.
Each of our Pediatric Ophthalmologists has been trained in AAPOS-approved fellowships in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. The University of Iowa's nationally-renowned ophthalmology program offers comprehensive resources for pediatric genetic eye diseases, pediatric neuro-ophthalmology (conditions affecting the optic nerve), and care for pediatric cancerous tumors of the eye. Our physicians treat all types of eye misalignment in children and adults. We also conduct extensive research into the causes and potential treatments and cures for numerous eye diseases affecting childhood vision.
Our clinic features a separate waiting area designed with children in mind that includes toys, activities and play zone.
Services include:
- Vision testing for all ages of children, including examinations of premature babies, pre-school and school-age children, and those who may be uncooperative in a medical office setting.
- Orthoptic evaluation and treatment for strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are misaligned. We provide orthoptic treatment plans to improve lifelong vision.
- Treatment for retinopathy of prematurity, pediatric glaucoma, congenital cataract, amblyopia (lazy eye), and tear duct disorders.
- Surgery for all types of eye misalignment in children and adults including crossed eyes and wandering eyes.
- Diagnosis and treatment of visual disorders caused by diseases such as cancer, diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and other medical and neurological diseases.
- Care for pediatric genetic diseases that affect the eyes.
- Care and treatment for eye injuries and infections.
- An on-site optical shop that offers fulfillment of prescriptions and a variety of eyeglasses for children.
- In-patient consults to physicians
Your pediatrician will examine your child's eyes many times in the first years of life. If during these screening tests your doctor feels that a complete eye examination is necessary, they should refer your child to a pediatric ophthalmologist for an examination. If you have concerns about your child's eyes you may arrange for an evaluation as well.
Strabismus or eye misalignment can be a problem in adults too. Because our eye surgeons have extensive experience realigning eyes with prisms or surgery, adults visit our clinic to help relieve their double vision and realign their eyes.
Our specialists are experts at observing the development of the visual system in growing children and young adults. For serious conditions affecting children's eyes, our care may include follow up visits and consultations that continue into adulthood.
