Pediatric ophthalmologists are qualified to perform complex eye surgery as well as to manage children's eye problems using glasses and medication. Many ophthalmologists and other physicians refer pediatric patients to a pediatric ophthalmologist for examination and management of eye problems due to children's unique needs. In addition to children with obvious vision problems and eye misalignment, children with preferred head postures, squinting or closing one eye, or drooping eyelids are typically referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for evaluation.

Typical disorders treated include:
 Amblyopia (“lazy eye”)
 Blocked tear ducts
 Infections (conjunctivitis)
 Eyelid abnormalities
 Genetic disorders
 Pediatric cataracts
 Pediatric glaucoma
 Strabismus (commonly referred to as “crossed-eyes”)
 Diabetic eye disease

 

Pediatric ophthalmologists are experts in eye muscle alignment. For this reason, they are also called upon to treat adults with eye misalignment and double vision.