Children’s eye care needs are different from those of adults. No one understands this as well as the pediatric ophthalmologists at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System. They specialize in diagnosing and treating common and rare eye conditions in infants, children and teens.

The Importance of Childhood Eye Exams

Early diagnosis and treatment of childhood eye diseases and disorders significantly impact your child’s physical, emotional and social development. If you have an infant, your pediatrician should perform vision screening during the first year of life. Vision screening should be repeated periodically throughout childhood, particularly between the ages 3 to 5 years to detect amblyopia or its risk factors. Children with a family history of amblyopia, strabismus, congenital cataracts, congenital glaucoma, or retinoblastoma may benefit from a complete eye exam. In addition, those children who have certain medical conditions such as intellectual disabilities, developmental delay, Down syndrome, neurofibromatosis, prematurity or behavioral issues benefit greatly from a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. If you or your pediatrician suspect a problem or if there is a family history of eye disease, schedule an appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist.

Bascom Palmer Pediatric Facilities and Services

Both our William and Norma Horvitz Children’s Center and Samuel & Ethel Balkan International Pediatric Glaucoma Center were designed specifically for children’s eye care needs. We treat nearly 7,000 children each year at our Miami, Coral Gables, Palm Beach Gardens and Naples facilities. Families come to Bascom Palmer from across the United States, and throughout the world.