About ophthalmologists
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has special training and skills in conditions and injuries that affect the eyes and might cause vision problems. Ophthalmologists are also known as eye doctors or eye surgeons.
Paediatric ophthalmologists are doctors who specialise in conditions that affect babies, children and teenagers.
Ophthalmologists often work very closely with optometrists and orthoptists.
If your child has health or development concerns, health professionals like ophthalmologists are there to care for your child and help you understand your child’s condition and treatment. With the support and expertise of these professionals, you can help your child thrive.
Why your child might see an ophthalmologist
Your child might see an ophthalmologist for a full eye health check if it looks like your child has vision or eye problems, or if your child has had an injury to their eyes or the area around their eyes.
An ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat eye conditions like reduced vision, squint, paediatric glaucoma, cataracts, blocked tear ducts and blepharitis.
Ophthalmologists use a range of treatments, including glasses, contact lenses, medicine like eye drops, and surgery.
If your child needs eye surgery, an ophthalmologist will do the surgery.
Going to an ophthalmologist
Before your child goes to an ophthalmologist, they’ll usually see an optometrist or orthoptist, who will do tests to work out whether your child has any eye movement or vision problems. This usually involves closely examining your child’s eyes.
After all the tests are done, your child will see an ophthalmologist, who will explain the results and discuss treatment options.
Your GP or child and family health nurse is always a good place to start if you’re worried about your child’s health or development. Your GP can help you decide about seeing an ophthalmologist and help you find someone who’s right for your child. To see an ophthalmologist, you need a referral from your GP or optometrist.
Before going to an ophthalmologist
If your GP or optometrist refers your child to an ophthalmologist, it’s a good idea to talk with your GP or optometrist about things like the following:
- Why you’re going – talk with your GP or optometrist about why your child needs to see an ophthalmologist.
- Appointments – do you need to make the appointment, or will the GP make it for you?
- Waiting lists – how long before you can get an appointment to see the ophthalmologist?
- Is there anything you can do while you’re waiting for the appointment? For example, can your child start some treatment or therapy?
- Costs – how much will the appointment with the ophthalmologist cost? Check whether you can get money back from Medicare or private health insurance.
- Locations – find out where you have to go to see the ophthalmologist – for example, public hospital, private hospital or clinic.
- Preparation – what do you need to bring to the appointment? For example, should you bring your child’s test results or their child health and development book?
You could also ask these and any other questions when you make the appointment with the ophthalmologist’s clinic. Writing down your questions can help you remember them.