Focusing on Pediatric Strabismus and Orthoptic Care at Northwest Eye Surgeons
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month – an important reminder of how crucial early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric eye conditions can be for a child’s long-term vision and quality of life. At Northwest Eye Surgeons, we’re proud to support families with expert care for children experiencing eye alignment issues, including strabismus, through specialized medical and orthoptic services.
Early Eye Care Matters
Healthy vision plays a key role in a child’s development, from learning to read to navigating the world confidently. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that children have their first eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age, with follow-up screenings at regular intervals throughout childhood.
It’s important to note that school vision screenings are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam performed by your family eye doctor. While screenings can catch some vision issues, they often miss conditions like amblyopia and strabismus, problems that benefit from early diagnosis and targeted treatment by eye care professionals. While we do not offer routine vision screenings or general eye exams for children, we work closely with your family eye doctor to manage your child’s care. Our team is here for families who need specialized care for more complex conditions such as strabismus.
Specialized Pediatric Eye Care: Strabismus and Orthoptics
Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly and may point in different directions. This condition can interfere with a child’s depth perception, visual development, and even self-confidence. If left untreated, strabismus can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), a condition that may result in permanent vision loss.
At Northwest Eye Surgeons, we offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment of strabismus, tailored to each child’s unique needs. Our services include both surgical and non-surgical approaches, depending on the severity and type of strabismus.
Supporting our care team is VinhVy Nguyen, BSC, CO, a certified orthoptist with extensive training in the diagnosis and management of eye movement disorders. Orthoptists play a vital role in pediatric care, using non-surgical techniques such as eye exercises, prisms, and patching therapy to improve visual alignment and binocular function. For many children, orthoptic treatment can be a highly effective and less invasive way to manage eye misalignment.
Welcoming Pediatric Ophthalmologist Dr. Ian Boydstun, DO
Northwest Eye Surgeons is very pleased to welcome Dr. Ian Boydstun, DO, a fellowship-trained Pediatric Ophthalmologist who will join our team in September of 2025.
Dr. Boydstun brings exceptional experience in pediatric strabismus care, most recently serving as the Fellowship Program Director for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at the Akron Children’s Hospital Vision Center in Akron, Ohio. He also held a faculty appointment as Assistant Professor of Surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio, where he contributed to both clinical education and research in pediatric ophthalmology.
Dr. Boydstun is board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and is licensed through the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. His training, leadership, and dedication to education and patient care make him a tremendous addition to our team and to the families we serve.
Supporting Lifelong Vision
Our coordinated approach, led by an experienced ophthalmologist and certified orthoptist, ensures that children receive the highest level of care from diagnosis through treatment.
This Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, we encourage families to seek routine vision screening and stay alert to signs of eye misalignment in children, such as an eye turning in or out, complaints of double vision, or frequent squinting. Early intervention can make all the difference.
To learn more about our pediatric eye services, please contact us today!
