During fetal development, congenital (structural) abnormalities can occur which have severe consequences for the child’s visual potential. There are also a myriad of problems that can occur after the child is born, that result in visual loss. In some instances, child with various syndromes, may have eye problems as well as systemic (other medical) problems.

The role of the paediatric ophthalmologist is to determine the cause of poor vision, and to treat it promptly, to ensure the best visual outcome.

Some of the more important eye diseases we see include:

1. Retinopathy of Prematurity: a potentially blinding condition of prematurity.
2. Congenital cataracts: which may result in amblyopia, and may require surgery.
3. Congenital glaucoma: where pressures in the eye are too high, resulting in large eyes, optic nerve damage, and clouding of the cornea (the front surface of the eye).
4. Retinoblastoma: a cancerous growth within the eye which may have life-threatening effects if it spread outside the eyeball.

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