Pediatric Ophthalmology & Optometry

Comprehensive eye and vision care for children

At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we evaluate and treat common and rare eye conditions and vision disorders in children of all ages. Every service we offer, from routine eye exams to advanced eye surgery, is tailored to the unique needs of young patients. We support each child's development by helping them achieve the best possible vision and eye health.

Our skilled eye care team includes board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists. They use leading-edge diagnostic technology and provide the latest nonsurgical and surgical treatments. When needed, our experts coordinate your child's eye care with other specialists, such as pediatric neurologists and craniofacial (head and face) surgeons.

Pediatric eye conditions we treat

We treat a wide range of congenital (present from birth) and acquired eye conditions in children. Our areas of expertise include:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye)

• Blocked tear ducts

• Eye diseases related to prematurity

• Eye infections and injuries, including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and corneal abrasion (scratched cornea)

• Eyelid disorders, including ptosis (drooping eyelid)

• Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism

• Pediatric glaucoma and cataracts

• Retinal, corneal and optical nerve disorders

• Retinoblastoma (eye cancer)

• Strabismus (misaligned eyes)

Specialized myopia management program

Myopia (nearsightedness) is one of the most common vision problems in children. Myopia makes distant objects appear blurry. Our eye specialists use the newest, evidence-based treatments to improve vision and slow myopia progression as much as possible.

Myopia treatments may include:

• Glasses

• Multifocal contact lenses, such as MiSight lenses

• Low-dose atropine eye drops

• Lifestyle adjustments to reduce eye strain

• Orthokeratology (ortho-k)

We partner with the UC Berkeley Myopia Control Clinic to provide ortho-k. Ortho-k is a nonsurgical method of reshaping the cornea with overnight contact lenses to improve vision.

Pediatric eye surgery

Our pediatric ophthalmologists specialize in eye surgery for children. With the support of pediatric anesthesiologists, we ensure your child stays calm and comfortable during and after their procedure. When appropriate, eye surgeons use minimally invasive techniques for faster healing and less pain. At every step, you'll find compassionate, family-centered care that puts your child's safety first.

We offer:

• Cataract surgery

• Eye muscle surgery for strabismus

• Eyelid and orbital (eye socket) reconstructive surgery

• Laser retina surgery

• Ptosis surgery for drooping eyelids

• Refractive surgery to improve vision

• Tear duct surgery

Eyeglasses and eyewear for kids and families

The Augie Pediatric Optical Dispensary supplies all your child's eyewear needs, including glasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, lens coatings and protective eyewear. We offer the latest styles for the entire family from top brands, such as Miraflex, Nike and Ray-Ban Junior.

Visit our optical dispensary.