Pediatric Ophthalmology

Dr. Burke is one of Cincinnati’s most trusted pediatric ophthalmologists.

What is Pediatric Ophthalmology?

Pediatric ophthalmology is a subspecialty of ophthalmology concerned with eye diseases, visual development, and vision care in infant, children, and teenagers. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specifically trained in the medical and visual treatment as well as surgical care of the eyes. An ophthalmologist is the only type of doctor trained to perform a comprehensive medical eye examination that can examine the eyes in relation to the general health and condition of the whole body.

Pediatric ophthalmologists in the United States are physicians who have completed medical school, a one year internship, a 3 year residency in ophthalmology, and one or more years of fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. Individuals who have completed this training may become members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.

What are Pediatric Ophthalmologists trainined for?

Pediatric ophthalmologists are specially trained in the development of the visual system and the diseases that disrupt visual development in children. Pediatric ophthalmologists are qualified to perform complex eye surgeries as well as having expertise in managing various ocular diseases that affect children including the use of glasses and medications. Pediatricians, family practioners, and even most ophthalmologists refer pediatric patients to a pediatric ophthalmologist for examination and management of ocular problems because of the children’s unique needs and special requirements. Pediatric ophthalmologists also manage adults with eye alignment disorders (strabismus).

Pediatric ophthalmologists are specially trained to manage most children’s eye disorders including strabismus, amblyopia, blocked tear ducts, abnormal vision development, refractive errors, ocular and orbital tumors and congenital malformations, external ocular diseases including conjunctivitis, blepharitis and chalazion, ptosis, pediatric cataract, pediatric glaucoma, and retinopathy of prematurity.

Additional Information:

https://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/87

https://www.aapos.org/about/organization