A pediatric ophthalmologist is an ophthalmologist (abbreviated as 'OD') who specializes in eye care for children. They have experience in additional education, training, and collaboration with children, performing child-specific eye tests and tests, and identifying and treating child-specific eye conditions.

 Like a typical optometer, the Pediatric OD performs a comprehensive ophthalmic exam, prescribes corrective lenses (glasses and contact lenses), and diagnoses and treats eye problems and vision impairment.

 Your child may be referred to a pediatrician if the pediatrician or general optometry deems that specific optometry treatment is necessary. Oftentimes, there are eye problems and other problems that cannot be resolved with glasses or contact lenses alone.

 Qualification

 To become a pediatric optometer, you must first have a four-year college degree, complete four-year coursework, and clinical work, and become an optometer (OD). Usually, an additional year of training in pediatric optometry is also required.

 Please note that the optometer is an optometer, but not a doctor, and does not operate. This is one of the main differences between an optician and an ophthalmologist.

 Diseases treated

 Pediatric optometrists are often the first point of contact for children with vision problems. The most common conditions treated with pediatric optometry include:

•  Refractive error: Myopia (myopia), hyperopia (myopia), and amblyopia
•  amblyopia (lazy eye)
•  strabismus (slipped or squint eye)
•  incomplete convergence
•  eye health problems such as infection, discharge, inflammation, and Injury
•  Color-blind

 Pediatric vision examiners can also detect more serious conditions that cannot be treated in the office. If your child's ophthalmologist decides that you need a specialist, such as a neuro-ophthalmologist or retinal specialist, we will refer you to a specific case for your child.

 What you can expect

 Before the test, your child's optometrist will want to open your child's eyes and look into their eyes to make sure they are healthy. The doctor then does a series of tests to evaluate the child's vision, pupil function, and eye movements.

 Seeing

 Vision is a measure of how well a child can look at different distances. In older children who can read, visual acuity is measured using the same visual acuity chart used in adult eye exams. Unreadable babies and toddlers are asked to describe various objects and shapes. During

 the examination, the doctor will also assess the child's depth perception. This is the ability to look at an object in three dimensions and determine how close or far it is.

Pupil function

 The pupillary light reflex is generally the same regardless of age, so the tests used to measure pupil function are the same for infants, older children, and adults. this

 Children's opticians use a flashlight to illuminate each child's eye. They do this to allow each student to contract and respond to the new light.

Failure of one or both pupils to respond to light may indicate a neurological problem and may encourage an ophthalmologist to refer the child to a specialist.

 Eye movements

 Eye movements may ask an older child to look at the flashlight (or finger) while the doctor moves the flashlight up, down, left, or right. Doctors carefully observe the child's eyes to see how easy it is to watch moving objects. They also evaluate how well the eyes work together to focus on the subject.

 For babies and toddlers, pediatric optometrists play with their children using lights and toys. During this time, the ophthalmologist monitors the child's tracking ability and eye level.

 Ophthalmologists also evaluated peripheral vision during this period; this is most commonly measured with face-to-face field-of-sight tests in older children. During this test, the ophthalmologist begins to stretch his arms to the sides of the child's head. If the doctor's hand is visible in the peripheral vision, the child should inform the doctor.

 When should I visit my child's eyewear shop?

 Start by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam for your child with your optometer. If they (or your pediatrician) feel that your child should go to a pediatrician for a more specific treatment, they will refer you to one.

 Some insurances may require a referral from an optician, pediatrician, or family doctor before the insurance company accepts your appointment.