Infants and children often present with ocular concerns which are unique from adults. The visual cortex is modifiable during the first decade of life. This is the time frame during which amblyopia can be treated. Common causes of amblyopia include:
Strabismus and amblyopia runs in families. This is also true of most of the rarer congenital conditions which may be associated with profound morbidity (e.g. congenital glaucoma) and even mortality (e.g, retinoblastoma) if diagnosed late.
Children with a strong family history of strabismus or one of the other amblyogenic conditions listed above should be assessed within the first year. (Optometrist role: consensus)
Infants born to families with a history of a serious familial eye disease should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. For any physical findings suggestive of significant morbidity (e.g. leukocoria) or a need for medical or surgical intervention (e.g. ptosis), a direct referral to an ophthalmologist is indicated.
Ophthalmologists with an interest in Paediatric Eye Care:
* These clinicians have sub-specialty training in Paediatric eye care
Referral Types
