Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare evaluates vision and eye-health concerns in infants, children, and adolescents from Buffalo and Western New York. Clear vision supports learning, coordination, reading, play, and social development, but children may not recognize or describe a problem. Pediatric care can include examination of visual acuity, focusing, eye alignment, glasses needs, eye health, amblyopia risk, and symptoms reported by parents, teachers, or the child.
Thomas R. Elmer, Jr., M.D., completed pediatric ophthalmology fellowship training at the University at Buffalo Department of Ophthalmology. His biography also describes cataract and refractive procedure experience.
Reasons a Child May Need an Eye Evaluation
- Failed vision screening or concern from a pediatrician, school, or teacher
- Eye turning, drifting, or misalignment
- Squinting, closing one eye, sitting very close, or holding material unusually near
- Frequent headaches, eye strain, or avoiding reading and near work
- Unequal vision, amblyopia, or a strong family history of childhood eye disease
- Drooping eyelid, tearing, unusual pupil appearance, or light sensitivity
- Eye injury, redness, pain, discharge, or sudden visual symptoms
- Prematurity, developmental condition, genetic condition, or medication that increases eye risk
Common Pediatric Eye Conditions
Children may be evaluated for refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, blocked tear ducts, eyelid conditions, inflammation, injury, congenital or inherited conditions, and other medical eye problems. Treatment may include glasses, patching or other amblyopia therapy, monitoring, medication, prism, vision-support strategies, or surgery. The plan depends on age, diagnosis, severity, developmental needs, and examination findings.
Amblyopia
Amblyopia develops when the brain receives a weaker image from one eye during visual development. Causes may include unequal prescriptions, eye misalignment, or an obstruction such as a cataract or drooping eyelid. Early identification matters because treatment is most effective while the visual system is developing. Treatment targets the cause and may include glasses, patching, penalization, or surgery for an associated condition.
Strabismus
Strabismus is an eye-alignment problem. It can be constant or intermittent and may affect one or both eyes. Evaluation considers visual acuity, alignment at different distances and gaze positions, focusing, eye movements, neurologic findings, and amblyopia. Glasses, prism, observation, exercises for selected problems, or surgery may be discussed depending on the type.
Preparing a Child for the Visit
- Bring current glasses, medication lists, prior records, and screening results
- Write down observations from home or school
- Explain that the visit includes pictures, lights, letters, shapes, and games rather than a pass-or-fail test
- Ask whether dilation is likely and plan for temporary near blur or light sensitivity
- Bring comfort items and allow enough time for age-appropriate testing
Symptoms That Need Prompt Evaluation
Seek prompt care for injury, chemical exposure, sudden vision loss, severe pain, a white pupil in photographs or normal light, a new constant eye turn, significant swelling, or neurologic symptoms. A child who cannot describe vision should be evaluated when behavior changes suddenly or an eye appears abnormal.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Visit
Call 1-800-309-2020 or request an appointment. Families can also view the ophthalmologist team, optometrist team, and practice locations.
Patient Education Sources
- National Eye Institute: Children’s Eye Health
- American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus: Patient Glossary
This page provides general education. Pediatric diagnosis and treatment require an age-appropriate eye examination.
