Pediatric Services
The Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology cares for babies, children and teens with all types of eye and vision needs — from routine eye exams to serious or complex eye conditions.
Our pediatric eye doctors (ophthalmologists) and optometrists are specially trained to diagnose and treat children’s eye problems, and we work closely with families to make sure your child gets the right care at the right time.
Eye Exams
We offer both routine eye exams and more detailed testing and treatment when needed.
During your child’s visit, we may:
- Check how clearly your child sees
- Look at how the eyes move and work together
- Examine the inside and back of the eye
- Take pictures or scans of the eye
If special tests are needed, our providers will explain what those tests do and why they are needed.
Outpatient Visits (Clinic Appointments)
Outpatient visits are also known as clinic appointments. You can schedule appointments at these locations:
- Burnet Campus
- Eastgate
- Liberty Campus
- Green Township
- Kenwood
- Mason
- Northern Kentucky (Crestview Hills)
Hospital Care (Inpatient)
If your child is staying at Cincinnati Children’s, our eye doctors can see them while they are in the hospital.
We also work with the Emergency Department and other hospital teams when eye problems come up during a hospital stay so that we can provide the best possible care.
Urgent or Emergency Eye Problems
If your child has a sudden or serious eye issue, our team is available 24 hours a day, and your child’s doctor can contact us right away to arrange care or get advice.
We also offer immediate phone access for area physicians through Physician Priority Link®, a unique doctor-to-doctor service provided by Cincinnati Children’s.
Specialized Care
Retina Care (Back of the Eye)
Under the direction of Robert A. Sisk, MD, a pediatric retina specialist, we diagnose and treat problems that affect the retina - the part of the eye that helps your child see light and detail.
We use advanced imaging and testing to guide treatment, including rare or inherited eye diseases.
Cornea Care (Front of the Eye)
Led by Adam H. Kaufman, MD, a cornea and uveitis specialist at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, we treat problems that affect the front surface of the eye, including:
- infections
- inflammation
- injuries
- scarring
Some children may need surgery, which our specialists provide.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Screening
Premature babies can develop a condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which can affect vision. Serving the Greater Cincinnati region, we screen babies in:
- Cincinnati Children’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Newborn nurseries at University Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital
Early screening helps protect your baby’s eyesight.
Eye Cancer Care (Retinoblastoma Center)
With our Retinoblastoma Program within our Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, we work with cancer specialists to treat retinoblastoma, the most common eye cancer in children. Our goal is to treat your child’s cancer and enhance their quality of life.
Our team provides specialized, coordinated care and advanced treatment options.
Contact Lenses for Infants
Some babies need contact lenses after cataract surgery. Under the direction of Kelsey A. Carriere, OD, FAAO, we teach families how to:
- Place and remove lenses
- Properly clean lenses
- Help your child to adjust safely
Community Vision Screening
Under the direction of Carol Weinel, COA, we offer free or low-cost vision screenings in local schools, health fairs and community events.
These screenings help find vision problems early, especially for children and others who may not otherwise receive eye care.
Vision Rehabilitation (Low Vision Support)
Some children have permanent vision loss that glasses or surgery cannot fully correct. The Cincinnati Children's Vision Rehabilitation Program is led by Terry L. Schwartz, MD and helps children make the most of their remaining vision.
We provide:
- Thorough eye exams
- Low vision devices and tools
- Assistive technology
- Advocacy
- Help with classroom accommodations
- Mobility and daily living support
- Links to other community resources
Children ages 3–21 can participate with a referral from a teacher or health care provider.
