Our Services

Pediatric Ophthalmology Associates diagnose, manage, and treat all aspects of children’s eye problems, from birth onward. While each exam is tailored to focus on the individual issues presented by each child, every new patient exam generally includes the following:

Visual Acuity

Quantifying visual acuity is possible in even pre-verbal infants and toddlers by using age-appropriate testing methods that are refined for children.

Evaluation of Eye Alignment, Eye Movement, and Binocular Vision

When the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions, this is termed strabismus. Misaligned eyes are a true cause for concern.  If left untreated, strabismus can lead to poor visual development and ultimate permanent loss in visual acuity. We will also check how well your child’s eyes move, track, and work together to send signals to the brain such that the signals are blended or fused into one 3-dimensional image.

Anterior Segment and External Exam

Examination of the eye lids and the internal anatomic structures of the eye can detect abnormalities such as foreign bodies and other injuries, media opacities, and congenital eye abnormalities.  Common conditions such as excessive tearing in children can result from subtle abnormalities of the tear drainage system, which begins in the eye lid.

Refraction

This part of the exam measures the focusing power of each eye and checks for the presence of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  This will determine if a child needs glasses.  Drops may be placed into each eye to temporarily enlarge (dilate) your child’s pupils.  This will ensure a more complete and accurate exam.

Examination of the Retina and Optic Nerve

With special lenses, we will look into the back of a child’s eyes and check the health of the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve.  The optic nerve is a part of the brain that is visible by this type of exam.

 At the conclusion of the exam, Dr. Chen will discuss with you your child’s findings, whether or not corrective lenses are necessary, and the best treatment options for your child. 

A comprehensive pediatric eye exam takes more time than a routine well child visit. Please allow two hours for each new patient eye exam. If your child has previously worn glasses or contact lenses, please bring these with you on your visit.