As parents we always want what’s best for our children, and one of the most important things we can do is protect their eye health. Pediatricians are typically the first to do an eye exam and will offer a referral if a problem is suspected. Pediatric ophthalmologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat ocular problems that are unique to children.
When adults visit the eye doctor, as willing participants they sit in a chair, take instruction and provide feedback. Children are not always as cooperative, especially when being examined. Communication can be particularly challenging, especially with younger children who don’t know how to speak. Pediatric ophthalmologists undergo additional training that provides them with a unique skill set to detect and care for vision problems specifically in children.