Pediatric Ophthalmology

The Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Children’s Hospital Colorado offers the most complete eye care for children in the Rocky Mountain region. The pediatric ophthalmologists and pediatric optometrists at Children's Colorado are experts in their fields and are experienced in treating vision disorders, complex eye diseases and eye trauma.

Our multidisciplinary approach means that pediatric eye specialists consult with experts throughout the hospital to ensure children with multiple or contributing medical conditions receive the most comprehensive care. Our ophthalmology team collaborates with an extremely well-equipped and staffed NICU, the region's top pediatric neurosurgeons and a nationally recognized Cancer Center. Additionally, our pediatric eye care team works closely with other subspecialists at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center at UCHealth to provide comprehensive eye care for complex ophthalmic diseases.

Reinforced by the hospital's affiliation with the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, education and research are integrated into our system of clinical care. This means that educating parents, patients, medical students and residents are among our top priorities.

Who we treat at The Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology

We provide complete pediatric ophthalmology and pediatric optometry services for children and teens that cover a wide range of conditions, from the most common to the most complex. Our treatment includes everything from second opinions and low vision consultations to surgical care and treatment for vision affected by conditions such as brain tumors.

We provide diagnosis and management for many eye conditions, including:

• Amblyopia
• Blocked tear ducts
• Cataracts
• Eye trauma 
• Eyelid disorders
• Genetic eye diseases
• Glaucoma
• Keratoconus
• Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
• Retinoblastoma
• Retinopathy of prematurity
• Strabismus
• Uveitis

Many of our doctors and specialists focus on one or more areas of expertise. Our pediatric cataract service, for example, has one of the highest volumes of pediatric cataract surgery in the country. This means we see more cases than most pediatric eye specialists and have more experience providing surgical care. We also have access to the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank and the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute (RMLEI), which is very important when considering cornea transplantation.

When eye disorders are the result of cancer or a tumor, we coordinate care with oncology experts within the hospital. Conditions like neurofibromatosis, including those with optic pathway gliomas, can cause visual disturbances related to brain tumors. We’ve also created programs like the Pediatric Retinoblastoma Program to collaborate more efficiently with our colleagues from oncology in providing cutting-edge treatments. Other multidisciplinary programs and clinics that we have developed focus on pediatric uveitis, pediatric cornea and pediatric oculoplastics.

Other services include:

• Complex pediatric contact lens services run by fellowship-trained pediatric optometrists specializing in fitting for aphakia (infants who have had cataract surgery), keratoconus, and corneal irregularities due to trauma or other disorders.
• Ophthalmic imaging in a pediatric setting including topography, ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, and fundus photography.

View a list of the conditions we treat.

Why choose us for pediatric eye care?

Our ophthalmologists are board-certified and fellowship trained in pediatric ophthalmology (the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye). Diagnosing eye problems in children is not an easy task. Early detection and treatment of childhood eye disease can prevent permanent vision loss and disability, which is why it is important that children who are suspected of having a sight-threatening condition are seen by a pediatric eye care specialist.

Pediatric specialists keep kids calm and focused during exams

We focus on treating children and teens at Children's Colorado, so we have a lot of experience doing things like keeping a child's attention during eye exams and ensuring they focus where we want them to in order to get the most accurate test results. This can make a big difference in diagnosing and treating your child, as well as making sure you know they are getting quality treatment.

A kid-friendly environment in one of the nation's top ranked hospitals

Children's Colorado is nationally ranked among children's hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Our team of pediatric eye specialists diagnose and treat children with medical and surgical eye diseases from the most common to the most complex. We promote a kid- and family-friendly clinical setting where patients and families have access to the best optical equipment. To make it easier, we can fill prescriptions and provide any other eye wear needs all in one place.

Contact the Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology

For appointments at any of our locations in the Denver Metro area, call 720-777-2020.

The Optical Shops are located in the hospital at the Anschutz Medical Campus, as well as in our Health Pavilion and North Campus. Patients of Children's Colorado, as well as non-patients, are welcome to purchase kids' eyewear and fill eyewear prescriptions here. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment is needed; just stop in and bring your child's prescription.

Helpful resources

• Anchor Center
• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus
• American Board of Ophthalmology
• American Foundation for the Blind
• Eye Care America
• Lighthouse International
• National Eye Institute
• National Federation of the Blind