Sarah L. Lopper, OD, FAAO

I am a pediatric optometrist at Cincinnati Children’s, where I have worked in the Division of Ophthalmology since 2001. I specialize in caring for children with ocular inflammation related to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and pediatric low vision rehabilitation. I also serve as the senior optometrist for our division.

My love of working with and helping children began during a high school summer job teaching kids how to swim. A college summer internship showed me this field was a perfect match for me. I could help children and work in the medical field.

When I see patients, I make sure the first thing I do when I enter the room is to listen. I take the time to talk with each child, so they feel comfortable with the eye exam. I want to hear — in their own words — how they are doing and what is going on with their eyes and vision. My patients should look forward to coming back, and I hope they think of the eye exam as a "fun" doctor visit.

I gain great pride and satisfaction working on numerous quality improvement projects at Cincinnati Children’s. As part of the patient care algorithm, I help children diagnosed with lazy eye get the care they need. In my work with the pediatric low vision team, I ensure children receive low vision rehabilitation at school and at home. I enjoy our partnership with the Rheumatology Department. Together, we implemented eye screening guidelines for children diagnosed with JIA that improves their outcomes.