Pediatric Eye Surgery & Vision Care (Ophthalmology)

Lurie Children’s Division of Ophthalmology provides world-class treatment and care for a full range of pediatric eye disorders, eye trauma and vision problems. The division consists of ten board-certified ophthalmologists with fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, and three optometrists with interests in pediatric care and low vision. Last year, the division offered care and consultations to approximately 17,910 patients and performed 829 surgeries.
We also have two optical shops for children, optical centers that provide specialty frames for kids that are both durable and fashionable. Learn more about the optical shops.
Approach
Our multidisciplinary approach to care leads us to work closely with physicians in a variety of other medical specialties since many childhood diseases and disorders often affect vision and the eye. The team collaborates with divisions across the medical center and works closely with longtime affiliates at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Division head Brenda L. Bohnsack, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Bohnsack's clinical interests include include diagnosis and management of congenital eye diseases and childhood glaucoma. Click here to learn more about Dr. Bohnsack.
Programs
We offer specialized treatment programs for children with certain eye conditions, including:
- Cataracts
- Chronic dry eye syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis
- Retinoblastoma
- Retinopathy of prematurity
- Childhood glaucoma
Conditions We Treat
Our pediatric specialists treat many ophthalmologic conditions.
View a Full ListMake an Appointment
We offer easy online scheduling for your child's ophthalmology needs.
Patient Request for Illinois State Eye Exam & Ocular Reports
Please complete the patient information portion of the requested form and be sure to sign the Consent of Parent or Guardian portion. After you have completed the patient information and signed the parent or guardian consent portion of the requested form, please fax to 312.227.9780.
Be sure to include instructions on where you would like the form(s) sent after it has been completed by our Clinical Staff. For example; if you would like for us to fax it to your child’s school, please include the name of the school name, attention and the fax number.
Our Locations
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
225 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park
2515 N. Clark Street/467 W. Deming Place
Chicago, Illinois 60614-3393
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Lake Forest
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Campus
900 N. Westmoreland, Suite 110 (Bays Medical Office Building, 1st Floor)*
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in New Lenox
1870 N. Silver Cross Blvd. (formerly Clinton Street)
Suite 100
New Lenox, Illinois 60451
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Northbrook
1131 Techny Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Westchester
Surgical Treatment Center
2301 Enterprise Drive
Westchester, Illinois 60154
Lurie Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center in Skokie
3722 W. Touhy Avenue
Skokie, Illinois 60076
Our Specialists
In addition to dedicated in-house staff members, the division includes several part-time subspecialists offering expertise in areas such as preverbal vision testing (TAC), ultrasonography, ophthalmic photography and electroretinogram (ERG) testing. All team members actively engage in clinical research, teaching and the practice of general pediatric ophthalmology.
Our team includes the following specialists:
- Pediatric ophthalmic plastics consultant
- Pediatric corneal consultant
- Pediatric retina consultant
- Optometrist
- Certified ophthalmic medical technologist
- Certified orthoptists
- Certified ophthalmic assistants
Tests & Treatments
Since many eye problems occur at an early age, it is important that your child receives eye examinations and visual screening tests. Vision problems can lead to visual loss, developmental problems and learning disabilities. We provide various visual screenings and eye exams for children
Resources & Support
Visit the following helpful and physician-recommended websites to learn more about pediatric eye problems.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology Eye Health Information
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Glaucoma Research Foundation
- Laser Eye Surgery Hub
- Lighthouse Guild
- National Eye Institute
- Prevent Blindness America
- Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG)
Fellowships & Training
The Division of Ophthalmology offers a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismusn in partnership with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. We also offer an orthoptic training program.
Ophthalmology News & Stories
Philanthropy
Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. Lurie Children's relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for children. To learn more, please e-mail the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org or call 312.227.7500.
COVID-19 and Screen Time
Lurie Children’s Division of Ophthalmology offer “best practices” on handling children’s computer screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic.