Pediatric Ophthalmology Referral Guidelines
Valley Children’s Ophthalmology practice specializes in the management and treatment of congenital and acquired pediatric eye diseases, malformations and disorders. Using innovative techniques, our pediatric ophthalmologists provide diagnostic services, medical treatment and surgical services specifically for infants and children.
Valley Children’s Ophthalmology is located in downtown Fresno and specializes in pediatric ophthalmology, strabismus surgery, ocular genetics and genetic eye disorders. In addition to these specialties, we provide diagnostic services including:
- Ocular and orbital ultrasound
- Ophthalmic photography
- Orthoptics and refractions
Our team offers a multidisciplinary approach to patient care and collaborates closely with oncology, immunology, neurology, trauma, rehabilitation and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Refer to Ophthalmology
Refer to the Pediatric Ophthalmology Department at Valley Children's online through CareLink or our referral portal, or refer via fax.
Refer a patientOphthalmology Office Numbers
Contact Pediatric Cardiology via phone (559-353-7271).
Contact a Physician Liaison
Physicians can reach a physician liaison for help with referrals or other questions by calling 559-353-7229.
Download the pediatric ophthalmology referral guidelines as a PDF
| Condition | When to Refer |
|---|---|
| Visual Behavior |
Absence of a social smile or eye contact by 3 months of age Any misalignment of eyes (intermittent or constant) in children after 4 months old or constant misalignment of eyes at any age should be evaluated. A difference of two lines or greater between eyes** Any acuity ≤ 20/50 should be evaluated.** **These patients should be seen by an optometrist first and referred to Valley Children’s if escalation of care is needed. |
| Eyelid Mass / Ptosis | Pediatric patient with ptosis or eyelid mass should be referred for evaluation |
| Dacryocele / Mucocele | Immediate referral – as there is risk for secondary infection and neonatal sepsis |
| Dacryostenosis (Blocked tear duct) |
Tearing past 11-12 months of age If there is a recurrent nasolacrimal duct infection (dacryocystitis), an earlier referral and treatment is appropriate |
| Congenital Glaucoma | Immediate referral – Delays can cause irreversible optic nerve damage (permanent vision loss/blindness), permanent corneal enlargement and amblyopia. |
| Chronic Conjunctivitis |
If conjunctivitis (or red eye) is chronic it can cause photophobia and corneal scarring. (Symptoms are potential signs of Herpetic (HSV) eye disease) |
| Ocular Media Opacities |
If there is a dull or asymmetric reflex If there is a white reflex (leukocoria), an urgent referral should be made to rule out retinoblastoma |
| Difference in Pupil Size |
A difference in pupil size more than 1mm Association of mild ptosis (droopy eyelid), with a smaller pupil on the same side, more pronounced in the dark (this may require evaluation for Horner’s Syndrome and workup for rare cases of neuroblastoma) A dilated pupil with limitation of eye movement should be an urgent referral |
| Nystagmus | New/acute onset nystagmus requires urgent evaluation |
|
Esotropia (eyes turning in / toward nose)
Exotropia (eyes turning out / away from nose) |
An infant older than 4 months old with constant/intermittent ocular deviation An infant of any age with constant ocular deviation A child with suspected ocular misalignment |
| Prematurity (premature infants, <1500g or <32wks, are at risk for development of strabismus and refractive errors – even in the absence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)) |
Infants born <1500g or <32 weeks should be examined at minimum 3 and 6 months post discharge from the NICU (or more frequently if there is a history of retinopathy of prematurity). |
| Systemic Disorders |
Referrals for screening should be made for children with autoimmune disorders For children with Type I or II Diabetes, baseline evaluation is recommended Baseline evaluation recommended for children with Sickle Cell disease, Albinism, Hypertension, thyroid malfunction, Sturge-Weber syndrome, neuro-fibromatosis-1 |
| Congenital Syndromes |
Pediatric patients with a congenital deformity that involves the orbit or optic pathways should be referred for an evaluation (Children with Down syndrome are at higher risk for cataracts and high refractive errors.) Children with a history of gestational drug or alcohol exposure should be evaluated for associated ocular abnormalities. Pediatric patients with craniosynostosis should be referred for evaluation for optic neuropathy and strabismus |
| Non-Accidental Injury | Pediatric patients with a suspected nonaccidental injury should have a dilated fundus examination |
| Headaches | A child with chronic headaches or complaining of headache after prolonged reading should be referred for a comprehensive eye exam |