Children learn a great deal just by observing the world around them, so their eyes warrant special care. University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview features one of the country’s largest pediatric ophthalmology programs. Our physicians treat common to complex eye diseases and injuries.

Our staff includes a specially trained team of orthoptists who help examine and treat even the youngest kids. From special pediatric instruments to movies that help patients hold their eyes still during an exam, we created our environment with children in mind.

We often work with geneticists, adult ophthalmologists and pediatric specialists in neurology, oncology, infectious diseases and rheumatology, and our Genetics Eye Clinic allows patients to be seen by a geneticist and a pediatric ophthalmologist during the same visit.

We also provide referrals to the Low Vision Clinic for recommendations about adaptive equipment and other home and school accommodations.

Conditions We Treat

• Strabismus (Eye Misalignment): overview; illustration
  -“Wandering” or Turned Out Eye
  -Cross-Eyed
• Amblyopia (“Lazy Eye”)
       -Visual impairment resource list
  -Resulting in Reduced Vision
  -Resulting in Near- or Far-Sightedness
• Droopy Eyelid
• Tear Drain Abnormalities
  -Blocked tear duct
  -Blocked tear duct - brief version
• Pediatric Cataracts
• Pediatric Glaucoma
• Optic Nerve Disorders
• Genetic Eye Disorders
  -Retinal Abnormalities
  -Chromosomal Abnormalities
• Eye and Periorbital Trauma
• Inflammation of the Eye
  -Arthritis-Related
  -Infection-Related
• Tumors of the Eye, Eyelid, and Periorbital Area
  -Hemiangioma (blood vessel)
• Retinopathy in Premature Infants
• Eye Problems Related to Other Conditions
   -Developmental Abnormalities
   -Syndromes that Involve/Affect Eyes

Services and Treatment We Offer

• Non-Surgical Treatment
• Medication
• Glasses
• Patches
• Family & Child Counseling
  -Long-Term Vision Changes
  -Potential Recurrence of Problems
  -Adaptive Strategies
  -School Issues
• Eye Surgery

Current Research

Clinical studies on the following topics are currently underway.

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
• Crossed Eyes in Young Children
• Tear Drain Obstruction
• Retinopathy of Premature Infants – in cooperation with the National Institutes of Health
• Pediatric Cataracts

Providers

Our physicians are dedicated to expert and compassionate care, research that improves the health of all children, and education of the next generation of pediatric ophthalmologists.

Department Achievements

• One of the largest pediatric ophthalmology practices in the US.
• One of the few Low Vision Clinics in Minnesota.

For Medical Professionals

More information is available at: University of Minnesota Medical School