Pediatric Ophthalmology Center, Synphaet Children’s Hospital

Protecting clear eyes, supporting visual development for limitless learning.

Eyes and vision are key windows for learning and age-appropriate development. However, infants and young children are often unable to communicate their own visual abnormalities. Childhood vision issues such as lazy eye, crossed eyes (strabismus), or early-onset nearsightedness, if not detected and treated in a timely manner, can adversely affect development, brain function, personality, and cause permanent vision loss. Observing warning signs and receiving eye check-ups from a pediatric ophthalmologist are critical actions parents should not overlook.

The Pediatric Ophthalmology Center at Synphaet Children’s Hospital is ready to care for children’s vision from birth through adolescence. Staffed by experienced pediatric ophthalmologists and a multidisciplinary team, we provide examinations, diagnoses, and treatments for pediatric eye conditions with advanced, specialized equipment. Our services cover routine eye exams, general pediatric eye treatments, and complex care to ensure every child has good vision to grow, learn, and live to their full potential.

Warning Signs to Immediately Consult a Pediatric Ophthalmologist

• Infancy (0–6 Months): 2 months old but not making eye contact with mother while feeding; watery eyes, excessive tearing, abnormal eye discharge; crossed eyes, misaligned eyes; or drooping eyelids (ptosis).
• Toddlerhood (1–2 Years): Prefers looking at objects very closely; tilts head or face to look; rubs eyes frequently; blinks excessively; or squints when looking.
• School Age: Complains of not seeing the board or educational screens clearly; headaches or eye strain while reading; frequent tripping or falling for no apparent reason; confuses similar letters; loses place while reading; or frequently skips words or lines.

Conditions and Anomalies We Care for and Treat

We diagnose, treat, and manage pediatric eye diseases and visual abnormalities from newborns to adolescents.

• Refractive Errors: Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism in children, including lazy eye (amblyopia).
• Eye Muscle Disorders: Crossed eyes or misaligned eyes (strabismus).
• Congenital Anomalies & Eyelid Structures: Drooping eyelids (ptosis), eyelid and eyelash abnormalities, congenital blocked tear ducts, congenital cataracts, and pediatric glaucoma.
• Infectious and Inflammatory Eye Diseases: Pink eye, eye inflammation, and allergic conjunctivitis.
• Conditions in Premature Infants: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).
• Pediatric Eye Injuries and Trauma

Diagnostic and Treatment Services

• Pediatric eye check-ups and vision screenings for all age groups.
• Vision and refractive error measurements using specialized pediatric equipment.
• Assessments for strabismus and eye muscle alignment/coordination.
• Retinal and optic nerve examinations.
• Eye screenings for newborns and premature infants.
• Lazy eye (amblyopia) therapy, including patching and visual stimulation exercises.
• Prescribing age-appropriate corrective eyeglasses.
• Medical treatments and continuous symptom monitoring.
• Surgical procedures for pediatric eye diseases and structural abnormalities when indicated.
• Providing guidance to parents on eye care and preventing future vision issues.

Why choose the Pediatric Ophthalmology Center at Synphaet Children’s Hospital?

• ✓ Dedicated Pediatric Ophthalmologists: Diagnostics and treatments are performed by specialists highly experienced in examining children’s eyes, using gentle, playful, and child-friendly techniques to prevent fear.
• ✓ Specialized Pediatric Eye Diagnostic Tools: Equipped with computerized refractometers and retinal imaging tools designed specifically for children’s eye sizes and behavioral patterns.
• ✓ Early Screening Focus: Ability to screen for lazy eye and strabismus in toddlers, ensuring treatment yields the best outcomes before visual pathways fully mature.
• ✓ Holistic Care: Coordinating treatment plans with pediatricians and other specialists when children present with systemic diseases affecting their eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: At what age should my child have their first eye exam?

A: If no abnormalities are observed, we recommend bringing your child for their first vision screening with a pediatric ophthalmologist between 3 and 4 years of age to prepare for school. However, if warning signs are noticed—such as lack of eye contact, crossed eyes, looking too closely, or frequent eye rubbing—you can seek consultation starting in infancy.

Q: Can young children who cannot speak or read letters yet undergo a vision test?

A: Yes, they can. Pediatric ophthalmologists use specialized tools and techniques, such as cartoon charts, light toys, and automated device screeners (Photoscreeners). These tools measure refraction, detect strabismus, and screen for lazy eye in young children without requiring them to read letters.

Q: What is “lazy eye” in children, and is it curable?

A: Lazy eye (amblyopia) is a condition where the brain fails to develop normal vision in one eye due to refractive errors, strabismus, or structural obstructions (like cataracts). If detected and treated early, such as by wearing glasses or patching the stronger eye to stimulate the weaker one, normal vision can be restored.

Q: Can a child outgrow crossed eyes (strabismus) as they get older?

A: True strabismus does not resolve on its own and can lead to lazy eye if left untreated. However, some infants may present with “pseudostrabismus” (false crossed eyes) due to a flat nasal bridge. A pediatric ophthalmologist can diagnose and differentiate this condition. True strabismus is treated through eye exercises, corrective glasses, or surgical correction.

Q: Does using smartphones or tablets heavily affect children’s eyesight?

A: Prolonged screen time can cause eye strain, dry eyes, and increase the risk of progressive nearsightedness (myopia). Screen time should be limited, and regular breaks should be encouraged.