Pediatric ophthalmologists focus on the development of the visual system and the various diseases that disrupt visual development in children.

In addition to children with obvious vision problems, children with head turns, head tilts, squinting of the eyes, or preferred head postures are typically referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for evaluation.

Pediatric ophthalmologists typically also manage adults with eye movement disorders (such as nystagmus or strabismus) due to their familiarity with strabismus conditions.

Evaluation of visual issues in education, including dyslexia and attention deficity disorder.

Pediatric ophthalmologists often work in conjunction with orthoptists in the treatment of strabismus.