Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Service
In our group there are three fellowship trained Pediatric ophthalmologists (Eye MDs):David J. Seidman, M.D.
Forrest J. Ellis, M.D. *
Amy Jeffery, M.D. *
Pediatric ophthalmologists are medical and surgical doctors who specialize in the eye problems of children. In particular, vision develops in the brain until about age 9 years and can be affected by eyes that are not straight or do not focus correctly. A child can grow up with good vision in each eye if these problems are caught early, treated and maintained.
All ophthalmologists have some training in children’s eye problems, but the pediatric ophthalmologist has had additional training and practice in examining children and caring for their eye problems. Only ophthalmologists are trained and licensed to manage and treat the entire spectrum of eye conditions and diseases. If your primary care doctor suggests that your child have his or her eyes checked, a pediatric ophthalmologist will have the greatest knowledge of the possible conditions and the greatest experience in examining children effectively.
*Dr, Jeffery is also fellowship trained in Neuro-ophthalmology and Dr. Ellis is fellowship trained in ophthalmic plastic, orbital and reconstructive surgery
Adult strabismus
Our pediatric ophthalmologists also treat adult patients with eye misalignment or double vision. Correction with prisms, glasses or surgery is employed in the treatment of these conditions. When surgery is performed, our team has extensive experience in the most complex forms of strabismus and strabismus surgical techniques including the use of adjustable sutures.Planning your visit
Assume 90 minutes for an appointment if you are a new patient or if your eyes will be dilatedMost new patients and yearly exams will involve pupil dilation with drops that will blur near vision. Depending on several variables, the pupils may still be somewhat dilated the next day. This will resolve, usually within 24 hours of the appointment.
Some of the many conditions we evaluate and treat:
- Vision evaluation for birth to age 18 years
- Need for Glasses
- All aspects of Ophthalmic care for Premature Infants including evaluation and laser treatment for Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
- Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (Tearing)
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (Misaligned eyes in children and adults)
- Chalazion Cataracts in children
- Ptosis (droopy lid)
- Learning Disorders
- Infections of the eye
- Inflammation of the eye
If your doctor suggested surgery please call:
Gabriela Fernandez
Pediatric Surgery Coordinator
Phone: 703.534.3964 or 703.534.3900
Fax: 703.536.3729
