Pediatric Ophthalmology

Scope of Service

1. Pediatric Ophthalmic services currently offered at SKMC
   • Congenital and developmental cataract 
   • Congenital and juvenile glaucoma
   • Strabismus simple and complex
   • Minor oculo plastics procedure
   • Laser treatment for ROP
   • Diagnostic Examination under anesthesia
   • Laser treatment for retinal vascular disorders- Coates 
   • JIA related Uveitis 
   • Pediatric Neuro ophthalmology 
   • Follow up of treated ocular and brain tumors 
   • Pediatric Surgery 
   • Pediatric Medicine 
   • Pediatric Cancer Services 
   • Pediatric Cardiac Services 
   • Pediatric Intensive Care 
   • Neonatal Critical Care 
   • Pediatric Neurosciences Neuroimaging and specialist neuroradiology 
   • Specialized Services for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (management of a Cataract is necessary following bone marrow transplantation). 
   • Cleft Lip and Palate Services for Children (detection of associated ocular conditions, e.g. Stickler syndrome, may be required).
   • Specialized Immunology Services for Children (children with graft vs host are entered into a screening program to prevent visual loss from ocular surface related problems).
   • Specialized Services for Infectious Diseases (detection and evaluation of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) associated retinopathy may be required). 
   • Medical Genetic Services (diagnostic confirmation/carrier detection is required for certain ophthalmic conditions for the purposes of genetic counselling). E.g. NF1 patients
   • Specialized Rheumatology Services (children with juvenile arthritis are entered into a screening program to prevent visual loss from uveitis). 

Service Settings

Pediatric eye treatments are predominantly done as an outpatient setting and inpatient ward or day surgical unit with monitored shared arrangement in place with referring clinics. Pediatric ophthalmology services are linked with the following services

Outpatient Service

10 clinic sessions per week 

Inpatient Service

ROP screening at Corniche Hospital 1 day per week (16-25 babies) / inpatient consultation for Pediatric age group to rule our systemic ocular association

Surgical service

1 day per week at SKMC. +/- Intravitreal injection at Corniche hospital weekly 

Model of Care

SKMC has a tertiary ophthalmology unit which provides all services under one roof to both adults and Children.