Both pediatric ophthalmologists and pediatric optometrists specialize in children’s eye care but their training and roles are a little different.
Pediatric Ophthalmologist (MD or DO)
A pediatric ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in children’s eyes.
They can:
- Diagnose and treat eye diseases and medical conditions
- Perform eye surgery (such as for strabismus/crossed eyes, cataracts, blocked tear ducts)
- Prescribe glasses, contacts, and medications
- Care for complex or medically fragile eye conditions
Best for:
Children with eye disease, eye injuries, or conditions that may require surgery or medical treatment.
Pediatric Optometrist (OD)
A pediatric optometrist is a doctor of optometry who specializes in children’s vision and eye health.
They can:
- Perform comprehensive eye exams
- Prescribe glasses and contact lenses
- Diagnose and manage common childhood vision problems
- Provide myopia control, amblyopia (lazy eye) management, and vision therapy
- Monitor eye health and refer to an ophthalmologist if surgery or advanced medical care is needed
Best for:
Routine eye exams, vision development, glasses, and ongoing management of common childhood eye conditions.
How They Work Together
Pediatric ophthalmologists and pediatric optometrists often work as a team. Many children see a pediatric optometrist for routine care and are referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist if surgery or specialized medical treatment is needed.
In Simple Terms
- Optometrist: Vision, glasses, and day-to-day eye care
- Ophthalmologist: Medical and surgical eye care
Both play an important role in keeping your child’s eyes healthy!
Blog content is curated from trusted sources such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), and other medical references. Content is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.