Counting Down the Days
“My daughter counts down the days to see Dr. Steve like other kids count down to Christmas or vacation. As parents, we trust his expertise and appreciate his explanations of conditions and care.”
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Kids see the world differently.
At OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois Pediatric Ophthalmology, our job is to make sure your child’s view stays as clear as possible. We’re the only dedicated children’s ophthalmology center in Illinois outside of Chicago, featuring specialists who are specifically trained to provide comprehensive eye care to kids from infants to teens, and even adults with conditions like strabismus.
What is Pediatric Ophthalmology?
Pediatric ophthalmology is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to diagnosing, treating and managing eye conditions in children. Since the causes of eye disorders in children are often different from those in adults, it’s essential to have a team focused on their unique needs. Early detection and diagnosis of childhood eye diseases are crucial for preventing potential vision loss.
Pediatric Ophthalmology Team
Our pediatric ophthalmology team specializes in caring for children’s unique eye health needs. Led by board-certified pediatric ophthalmologists trained to treat eye disorders and perform surgery on young patients, our team also includes orthoptists (specialists in eye movement and alignment), technicians and opticians who excel at making kids feel at ease while providing expert care.
Eye Conditions We Treat
We treat a variety of eye conditions, from simple to complex, including:
General Eye Conditions
- Amblyopia (Lazy eye)
- Blepharitis (Eye dandruff)
- Cataracts
- Chalazion (Eyelid cyst, Meibomian cyst, or Hordeolum/stye)
- Conjunctivitis
- Corneal abrasions (Scratched cornea)
- Dermoid cyst
- Diplopia (Double vision)
- Glaucoma
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
- Myopia (Nearsightedness)
- Nystagmus (Eye shaking)
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
- Strabismus (Crossed or wandering eye and other misalignments)
Optic Nerve Disorders
- Hereditary optic neuropathy/Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy/Dominant Optic Atrophy
- Optic disc drusen
- Optic nerve atrophy
- Optic nerve coloboma
- Optic nerve hypoplasia
- Optic neuritis
- Papilledema (Optic disc swelling)
Other Eye Conditions
- Astigmatism (curvature of cornea or lens)
- NLDO (nasolacrimal duct obstruction or stenosis)
- Refractive errors
- Tear drainage
Services and Treatments for Pediatric Eye Care
Whether your child needs an expert diagnosis, updated eyeglasses or help with managing a chronic eye disorder, our pediatric ophthalmology team can help. Our services include:
- Eye exams for children ages birth through 18 years (with a referral)
- Glasses and bifocals, including corrective lenses, specialized frames, adjustments, repairs or replacements
- Strabismus surgery for children and adults
- Tear duct surgery
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your child’s provider can offer a referral to the pediatric ophthalmology clinic in Peoria.
After you check in, your child will be taken to an exam room to meet with one of our certified ophthalmology technicians. They will guide your child through a vision test, which may include checking your child’s eye muscle development or eye alignment. They will also give your child dilation drops, which allow the provider to see the inside of the eye better. The drops are painless and take about 30 minutes to work.
While you wait, you and your child can enjoy our kid-friendly waiting area, complete with an interactive playroom, kid-friendly movies, coloring pages and scavenger hunts throughout the clinic. It may be helpful to bring a stuffed animal or familiar toy to help alleviate your child’s stress from an unfamiliar environment and to help pass the time. Snacks and drinks are welcome as well.
Once you are ready, you and your child will go to the exam room to meet with the provider to review your child’s symptoms, go over their test results and look at their eyes. After the exam, your provider will discuss next steps with you, which may include ongoing appointments.
Please plan for a two-hour appointment.
OSF Children’s Hospital Optical Shop
Kids need a unique eyewear experience. At OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois Optical Shop, located in our pediatric ophthalmology clinic, we help children find the perfect glasses in a stress-free setting. Stop by after your appointment or bring a current prescription from an outside optometrist. Adult frames are also available at our optical shop.
Collaboration with Other Specialties
There are many childhood diseases that can affect the eye. Our pediatric ophthalmologists work closely with other pediatric medical specialists to ensure that your child’s eye care is aligned with their other health care needs.
Pediatric Outpatient Surgery
If your child needs eye surgery, our pediatric ophthalmologists work with a team focused on pediatrics at both OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center and OSF Center for Health in Peoria, ensuring coordinated, expert care throughout the whole process.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Some eye disorders need treatment within the first 30 days of life. Our pediatric ophthalmologists can deliver immediate care for your child right in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Child Life Services
If your child needs extra support during a procedure, our child life specialists help reduce stress through play, education, and support.
Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center
Childhood diabetes can affect the eyes, so annual eye exams are recommended. Our pediatric ophthalmologists work closely with the Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center to ensure coordinated care for your child.
Congenital Heart Center
Congenital heart defects can affect your child’s vision. At OSF Children’s Hospital, our pediatric ophthalmologists work closely with the Congenital Heart Center to monitor and address vision issues early.
Explore Heart ServicesFrequently Asked Questions
How do I put eye drops in my child’s eye?
Before placing eye drops in your child’s eye, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Tilt their head back or have them lie down and look up. Pull your child’s lower lid down gently, creating a pocket, and squeeze one eye drop in, being careful that the tip of the bottle does not touch the eye.
When should my child have their first eye exam?
Most schools require children to complete an eye exam before they begin kindergarten. However, if you have concerns about their vision earlier, it is never too early to get an eye exam through an optometrist.
What are common signs of vision problems in children?
If a child squints, holds objects too close, tilts their head, leads with one eye or has a visible eye alignment issue, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam to check their vision.
Are there specific eye conditions that are more common in children?
Eye alignment problems, specifically amblyopia and strabismus, are common eye disorders that affect children.
From Our Patients
No Tears, All Smiles
“The whole staff makes the kids feel at ease from start to end. I may have to drive a distance but it’s worth it. If a child can go into a doctor’s office, without fear, no tears and actually look forward to the visit, the staff and doctor are doing something right.”
A Mama Heart at Ease
“I appreciate the time the staff took to allow my daughter to adjust to her surroundings and become comfortable with getting her eyes checked. The way the staff interacted with her and made the visit as fun as possible helped this mama’s heart be at ease.”
Ask for a Referral
Ask your child's primary care doctor to refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist at OSF Children's Hospital. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.
In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.