Pediatric Ophthalmology

Kids see the world differently.

At OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois Pediatric Ophthalmology, our job is to make sure your child’s view stays as clear as possible. We’re the only dedicated children’s ophthalmology center in Illinois outside of Chicago, featuring specialists who are specifically trained to provide comprehensive eye care to kids from infants to teens, and even adults with conditions like strabismus.

What is Pediatric Ophthalmology?

Pediatric ophthalmology is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to diagnosing, treating and managing eye conditions in children. Since the causes of eye disorders in children are often different from those in adults, it’s essential to have a team focused on their unique needs. Early detection and diagnosis of childhood eye diseases are crucial for preventing potential vision loss.

Pediatric Ophthalmology Office Staff.jpg

Pediatric Ophthalmology Team

Our pediatric ophthalmology team specializes in caring for children’s unique eye health needs. Led by board-certified pediatric ophthalmologists trained to treat eye disorders and perform surgery on young patients, our team also includes orthoptists (specialists in eye movement and alignment), technicians and opticians who excel at making kids feel at ease while providing expert care.

Meet Our Providers

Eye Conditions We Treat

We treat a variety of eye conditions, from simple to complex, including:

General Eye Conditions

Amblyopia (Lazy eye)
Blepharitis (Eye dandruff)
Cataracts
Chalazion (Eyelid cyst, Meibomian cyst, or Hordeolum/stye)
Conjunctivitis
Corneal abrasions (Scratched cornea)
Dermoid cyst
Diplopia (Double vision)
Glaucoma
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Nystagmus (Eye shaking)
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
Strabismus (Crossed or wandering eye and other misalignments)

Optic Nerve Disorders

Hereditary optic neuropathy/Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy/Dominant Optic Atrophy
Optic disc drusen
Optic nerve atrophy
Optic nerve coloboma
Optic nerve hypoplasia
Optic neuritis
Papilledema (Optic disc swelling)

Other Eye Conditions

Astigmatism (curvature of cornea or lens)
NLDO (nasolacrimal duct obstruction or stenosis)
Refractive errors
Tear drainage

Services and Treatments for Pediatric Eye Care

Whether your child needs an expert diagnosis, updated eyeglasses or help with managing a chronic eye disorder, our pediatric ophthalmology team can help. Our services include:

Eye exams for children ages birth through 18 years (with a referral)
Glasses and bifocals, including corrective lenses, specialized frames, adjustments, repairs or replacements
Strabismus surgery for children and adults
Tear duct surgery

Explore Treatments

Loading component...

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your child’s provider can offer a referral to the pediatric ophthalmology clinic in Peoria.

After you check in, your child will be taken to an exam room to meet with one of our certified ophthalmology technicians. They will guide your child through a vision test, which may include checking your child’s eye muscle development or eye alignment. They will also give your child dilation drops, which allow the provider to see the inside of the eye better. The drops are painless and take about 30 minutes to work.

While you wait, you and your child can enjoy our kid-friendly waiting area, complete with an interactive playroom, kid-friendly movies, coloring pages and scavenger hunts throughout the clinic. It may be helpful to bring a stuffed animal or familiar toy to help alleviate your child’s stress from an unfamiliar environment and to help pass the time. Snacks and drinks are welcome as well.

Once you are ready, you and your child will go to the exam room to meet with the provider to review your child’s symptoms, go over their test results and look at their eyes. After the exam, your provider will discuss next steps with you, which may include ongoing appointments.

Please plan for a two-hour appointment.

OSF Children’s Hospital Optical Shop

Kids need a unique eyewear experience. At OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois Optical Shop, located in our pediatric ophthalmology clinic, we help children find the perfect glasses in a stress-free setting. Stop by after your appointment or bring a current prescription from an outside optometrist. Adult frames are also available at our optical shop.

Explore the Optical Shop

Loading component...

Collaboration with Other Specialties

There are many childhood diseases that can affect the eye. Our pediatric ophthalmologists work closely with other pediatric medical specialists to ensure that your child’s eye care is aligned with their other health care needs.

Pediatric Outpatient Surgery

If your child needs eye surgery, our pediatric ophthalmologists work with a team focused on pediatrics at both OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center and OSF Center for Health in Peoria, ensuring coordinated, expert care throughout the whole process.

Learn About Pediatric Surgery

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Some eye disorders need treatment within the first 30 days of life. Our pediatric ophthalmologists can deliver immediate care for your child right in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Learn About the NICU

Child Life Services

If your child needs extra support during a procedure, our child life specialists help reduce stress through play, education, and support.

Discover Life

Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center

Childhood diabetes can affect the eyes, so annual eye exams are recommended. Our pediatric ophthalmologists work closely with the Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center to ensure coordinated care for your child.

Learn About Diabetes Services

Congenital Heart Center

Congenital heart defects can affect your child’s vision. At OSF Children’s Hospital, our pediatric ophthalmologists work closely with the Congenital Heart Center to monitor and address vision issues early.

Explore Heart Services

Loading component...

How do I put eye drops in my child’s eye?

Before placing eye drops in your child’s eye, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Tilt their head back or have them lie down and look up. Pull your child’s lower lid down gently, creating a pocket, and squeeze one eye drop in, being careful that the tip of the bottle does not touch the eye.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Most schools require children to complete an eye exam before they begin kindergarten. However, if you have concerns about their vision earlier, it is never too early to get an eye exam through an optometrist.

What are common signs of vision problems in children?

If a child squints, holds objects too close, tilts their head, leads with one eye or has a visible eye alignment issue, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam to check their vision.

Are there specific eye conditions that are more common in children?

Eye alignment problems, specifically amblyopia and strabismus, are common eye disorders that affect children.

Loading component...

From Our Patients

“My daughter counts down the days to see Dr. Steve like other kids count down to Christmas or vacation. As parents, we trust his expertise and appreciate his explanations of conditions and care.”

“The whole staff makes the kids feel at ease from start to end. I may have to drive a distance but it’s worth it. If a child can go into a doctor’s office, without fear, no tears and actually look forward to the visit, the staff and doctor are doing something right.”

“I appreciate the time the staff took to allow my daughter to adjust to her surroundings and become comfortable with getting her eyes checked. The way the staff interacted with her and made the visit as fun as possible helped this mama’s heart be at ease.”

Loading component...

Ask for a Referral

Ask your child's primary care doctor to refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist at OSF Children's Hospital. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.

Search Doctors

Pediatric Ophthalmology

What is Pediatric Ophthalmology?

Pediatric Ophthalmology Team

Eye Conditions We Treat

Services and Treatments for Pediatric Eye Care

Loading component...

What to Expect at Your Appointment

OSF Children’s Hospital Optical Shop

Loading component...

Collaboration with Other Specialties

Pediatric Outpatient Surgery

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Child Life Services

Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center

Congenital Heart Center

Loading component...

<h2 style="color: #007f9b;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>

How do I put eye drops in my child’s eye?

When should my child have their first eye exam?

What are common signs of vision problems in children?

Are there specific eye conditions that are more common in children?

Loading component...

From Our Patients

Counting Down the Days

No Tears, All Smiles

A Mama Heart at Ease

Loading component...

Ask for a Referral

Providers

Location

About OSF

Resources

Sites

Loading component...

Eye Conditions We Treat

Services and Treatments for Pediatric Eye Care

OSF Children’s Hospital Optical Shop

Collaboration with Other Specialties

Pediatric Outpatient Surgery

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Child Life Services

Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center

Congenital Heart Center

<h2 style="color: #007f9b;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>

How do I put eye drops in my child’s eye?

When should my child have their first eye exam?

What are common signs of vision problems in children?

Are there specific eye conditions that are more common in children?

From Our Patients

Counting Down the Days

No Tears, All Smiles

A Mama Heart at Ease

About OSF

Resources

Sites