Paediatric Ophthalmologist London

Our children’s specialists are committed to providing comprehensive eye care. We ensure that every child, no matter their age, receives the best possible vision care in a comfortable, child-friendly environment.

What is paediatric ophthalmology?

Paediatric ophthalmology is a type of eye care that focuses on diagnosing, managing and treating children’s eye conditions. We care for all children, from newborns to adolescents, and take a personalised approach to their unique needs.

We can effectively investigate your child’s symptoms and vision to diagnose their condition accurately and give the correct treatment.  

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Our dedicated child-friendly care

At Phoenix Hospital Group, we understand children need a calming environment to feel safe and supported. We’ve specially trained our friendly team to provide personalised care to children and prioritise creating a warm, welcoming space for all. 

We treat every child with the dedicated kindness and respect they deserve, whether your child is receiving routine treatment or we’re investigating their symptoms. We’ll help your child feel at home when they visit our children’s eye care specialists.

Our dedicated child-friendly care

Common eye conditions in children

Our paediatric ophthalmologists are experienced in dealing with many common eye conditions affecting children, ensuring their vision is protected. 

Blocked tear ducts in babies

Some newborns are born with blocked tear ducts. This problem can occur if the glands don’t form properly while in the womb. Blocked tear ducts can lead to tearing, mucus or discharge and eye irritation. Although blocked tear ducts may not affect your child’s vision, it can be uncomfortable. 

However, our specialists are skilled in diagnosing and providing treatment to clear your baby’s tear ducts while ensuring their comfort and safety.   

Myopia

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is becoming increasingly prevalent among children due to factors like increased screen time and indoor activities. With myopia, your child may see objects close up, but things further away can appear blurry. 

Early intervention is crucial in managing myopia to prevent its progression and potential complications like retinal detachments. Our experts are well-versed in myopia management techniques, including glasses, contact lenses and other innovative approaches.

Refractive errors and squints

Refractive errors include myopia and hyperopia (far-sightedness). If your child has a refractive error, it can lead to squints (strabismus), where the eye begins to change position and looks turned in, down, out or up.

We can diagnose and treat refractive errors and squints in children to promote healthy vision development and prevent long-term complications. 

Amblyopia

Otherwise known as a lazy eye, amblyopia can affect your child’s vision. This condition can be present from birth and typically occurs in only one eye. 

Our experts can provide effective amblyopia treatments to enhance your child’s vision and correct their lazy eye.

Paediatric ophthalmology services we offer

At Phoenix Hospital Group, we offer a comprehensive range of specialised services tailored to our young patients’ needs.

Our services include:

  • Child-friendly eye examinations: Creating a comforting environment for children during eye examinations is a priority. Our ophthalmologists are skilled at engaging with children, explaining procedures and ensuring their comfort throughout the appointment.
  • Myopia management solutions: Our expertise in myopia management means we can offer personalised treatment plans to control myopia’s progression and preserve your child’s vision. 
  • Visual stress and dyslexia management: We can provide solutions such as coloured lenses to help manage visual stress and dyslexia, promoting a more comfortable reading experience for your child. 
Paediatric ophthalmology services we offer

What to expect at an appointment

At Phoenix Hospital Group, we ensure your child receives a thorough consultation, diagnosis and personalised treatment plan to look after their eye health. 

Consultation

Your child will have a detailed consultation with one of our experienced paediatric ophthalmologists, as well as you. We’ll ask about your child’s medical history, family history and any specific concerns. We’ll also explain things in a child-friendly way to keep your child informed and at ease.

 

Examinations

We use the latest technology to assess your child’s vision and eye health. We’ll look for common conditions like myopia and rule out any underlying conditions. We encourage you to be present during the examination, and will gladly answer your questions or concerns about your child’s eye health.

 

Diagnosis and treatment

Once the examinations are complete, we’ll explain your child’s results and whether we achieved a diagnosis. We’ll then confirm any further treatment plans or necessary tests to keep you informed on your child’s care at Phoenix Hospital Group.  

What to expect at an appointment

Our specialists

Mr Robert Longhurst

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Frequently asked questions

At what age should my child see an ophthalmologist?

We can see children of all ages, including newborns, to diagnose and treat their eye condition. If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, we’re here to help. 

Why would my child be referred to ophthalmology?

A healthcare professional may refer your child to an ophthalmologist if they’re experiencing problems with their vision. 

What are some signs my child might have a vision problem?

Your child may have problems with their vision if they: 

  • Squint
  • Frequently rub their eyes
  • Tilt their head 
  • Struggle to focus
  • Get regular headaches
  • Hold books or devices close to their face 
  • Complain of eye pain or blurry vision

What happens at a paediatric ophthalmology appointment?

When you and your child attend their appointment, we’ll discuss what will happen so you’re prepared. We’ll explain the examinations we’ll perform and what they’ll involve. 

We encourage you to ask questions, and we’ll be more than happy to answer them. 

Are eye exams safe for children?

Yes, eye examinations are entirely safe for children.  

Will my child need eye surgery?

We only recommend eye surgery if your child’s condition calls for it. We understand that your child having surgery can be worrying. However, our expert surgeons are highly experienced in performing paediatric eye surgery and will ensure your child is safe at all times. 

Book your consultation

You can book an appointment for your child to see a paediatric ophthalmologist by calling 0207 079 2100.

Alternatively, fill out the enquiry form below and a team member will contact you.

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