Pediatric Ophthalmology
Pediatric eye care
In short
Pediatric eye care diagnoses and treats vision and eye problems in infants, children, and teens. NVOA's fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologists care for lazy eye, crossed or drifting eyes, blocked tear ducts, glasses needs, and other childhood eye conditions, with visits paced to keep children comfortable.
- Ages
- Newborns through teens
- Common reasons
- Failed school or pediatrician vision screening, eye turn, squinting, tearing, family history
- Offered at
- Falls Church · Fairfax · Alexandria
What children's eye conditions do we treat?
- Glasses needs: nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (crossed, turned, or drifting eyes)
- Blocked tear ducts and chronic tearing
- Styes, chalazia, and other eyelid conditions
- Eye allergies
- Retinopathy of prematurity follow-up
- Congenital eye conditions
When should my child see an eye doctor?
Pediatricians screen vision at well-child visits. Schedule a full exam with a pediatric eye doctor if your child fails a screening, has an eye that turns, squints or tilts their head to see, holds books very close, has persistent tearing, or has a family history of lazy eye, strabismus, or childhood glasses.
What should we expect at the visit?
Plan for a longer visit when dilation is needed, and bring a snack, a comfort item, and sunglasses.
- We explain each step in simple, kid-friendly language
- Testing is matched to your child's age — no reading required for young children
- Eye drops to dilate the pupils are common and take 20–30 minutes to work
- Parents stay with their child and have time for questions
Pediatric Medical History Form (PDF)
Frequently asked questions
Do children need eye drops at the exam?
Often, yes. Dilating drops relax the focusing muscles so the doctor can measure an accurate prescription and examine the back of the eye. The drops sting briefly and blur near vision for several hours.
Can amblyopia be treated?
Yes. Glasses, patching, or special eye drops can strengthen the weaker eye. Treatment works best when started early in childhood.
Does my child need a referral?
Some insurance plans require a referral for specialist visits. Check with your plan before the appointment.
Doctors who provide this care
Nancy A. Morrison, M.D.
Pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus
- Pediatric & Strabismus
- Oculoplastics
Related care
Strabismus
Care for crossed, turned, or drifting eyes at any age.
Contact Lens Fittings
Comfortable, healthy contacts — including specialty lenses.
Optical Services
Frames, prescription lenses, and adjustments at all three offices.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an exam. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Ready to schedule?
Request an appointment online or call the office closest to you.
- Falls Church(703) 534-3900
- Fairfax(703) 620-2701
- Alexandria(703) 922-0906