316-636-2010
316-609-2177Greater Wichita, KS Area Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialists
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.