Greater Wichita, KS Area Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialists

Pediatric eye doctors

Pediatric Eye Doctors of Grene Vision Group

Grene Vision Group is committed to providing high-quality eye care for children and the entire family. 

Our pediatric eye doctors in greater Wichita, KS area are experienced in treating a variety of childhood eye conditions. We use advanced diagnostic tools and treatments, along with a gentle touch, to care for young eyes. Our pediatric ophthalmologists promote lifelong healthy vision for both you and your children.

Schedule an appointment for your child at Grene Vision today! 

Treating Children’s Vision Conditions

Children can develop the same vision issues and eye diseases that are common in adults, but young patients require specialized care. Certain eye conditions are more common in babies and children. Your pediatrician or family doctor can perform routine vision screenings to check your little one for signs of any eye problems. If your child needs additional screening or treatment, you will be referred to a qualified pediatric ophthalmologist at one of Grene Vision Group’s offices in the greater Wichita area.

Common Pediatric Eye Diseases and Conditions

Common children’s eye conditions include: 

  • Amblyopia (Lazy eye)

  • Crossed eyes

  • Pediatric cataracts

  • Blocked tear ducts

  • Birth defects

  • eye trauma/injury

  • and complex eye issues in premature babies. 

Pediatric eye care

When detected at an early age, childhood eye problems can be treated, improved upon, or corrected altogether. 

Early diagnosis may also help to protect your child’s eye health long-term. Vision is essential to your children’s educational and physiological growth.

Contact the experts at Grene Vision Group today.

Symptoms of Common Childhood Eye Conditions

Observing your child’s eyes and paying attention to how your child behaves is very important for early detection of childhood eye problems. 

Unusual behavior can be a warning sign of eye problems in kids. Commonly closing one eye, frequently rubbing their eyes, or tilting their head to see things can start to indicate vision issues. 

School-age children may complain of things looking blurry in the classroom, or not being able to see the board. Behaviors can also be seemingly unrelated to vision but actually be caused by childhood eye problems. Look out for behaviors such as your child avoiding reading, falling behind in school, or sitting too close to the television. Watch for warning signs and take your child to your pediatrician or an eye doctor at the first sign of a vision issue. 

If routine vision tests indicate there could be a problem, you will likely be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist. 

Testing and Diagnosing Pediatric Vision Problems

Testing children’s vision uses a variety of techniques that vary depending on age and development. There are effective ways to test infants and preverbal children, as well as those that can read an eye chart. At Grene Vision Group, common techniques include light tests (responses to, ability to follow), matching games, letter recognition, and pictures. 

Each eye will be checked separately, which is important because a child can function normally even if one eye has decreased vision and the other eye sees well.

Other tests may also be performed on an as-needed basis. While testing can involve unfamiliar equipment, the tests generally are not painful or invasive.

Treatment for Childhood Vision Problems

Our pediatric ophthalmologists in the greater Wichita area will diagnose and discuss the right treatment for your child’s eye condition. Fortunately, most eye problems in kids can be corrected if detected early.Treatment for childhood vision problems may include:

  • Medication

  • Therapy

  • Corrective lenses (eyeglasses)

  • Surgery

Charles R. Whitfill, MD

Our Pediatric Ophthalmologist

Meet Dr. Charles R. Whitfill, MD, our pediatric ophthalmologist in Wichita at either our North Woodlawn or North Maize Rd. clinics.

Dr. Whitfill is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in medical and surgical eye care for children, and in surgical eye care of adult patients with eye muscle disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should My Child Have an Eye Exam?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology agree that children should have their eyes examined by a pediatrician at birth and at all regular check-ups before school. 

When children reach school age, routine eye exams help identify any vision problems or issues. If abnormalities are identified that an optometrist cannot adequately address, referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist is customary for specialized attention.

When Does My Child Need To See A Pediatric Ophthalmologist?

Most pediatric ophthalmology patients are referred by a pediatrician or an optometrist.

Until children are old enough to attend school, eye and vision care are most frequently handled by the pediatrician. Pediatricians typically assess vision at each milestone appointment. If the pediatrician notices any abnormalities, they generally refer to a pediatric ophthalmologist.

What Vision Symptoms Should I Watch Out for in Kids?

Have your child evaluated by a medical professional if they exhibit these vision symptoms.

  • Persistent watery eyes

  • Frequent rubbing of the eyes when your child is not sleepy

  • Sensitivity to light

  • White or yellow material in the pupil

  • Redness that doesn’t go away

  • Pus or crust in the eyes

  • Crossed, wandering or misaligned eyes

  • Squinting

  • Frequent tilting or turning of the head

  • Drooping or bulging eyes or eyelids

  • One eye appearing larger than the other

Grene Vision Group Locations Near You

Looking for a pediatric ophthalmologist in or around Wichita, KS? If you have received a referral from your pediatrician, Grene Vision is here for you. Find a location near you today! Use the interactive map to find our nearest location, then call to book an appointment.

Andover
Andover
Maize Road
Winfield
Ridge Road
Seneca
Webb Road
Hutchinson West
Derby
Hutchinson East
Fredonia
El Dorado
Harry and Rock
Augusta
East Central
Wellington
Yates Center
Anthony