Paediatric Ophthalmology in Canberra
Gentle, family-focused eye care for children, from infancy through adolescence, in our Braddon clinic.
Medically Reviewed
Last medically reviewed on 29 June 2026. This page is educational and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
What Is Paediatric Ophthalmology?
Paediatric ophthalmology is the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions in infants, children and adolescents. Children's eyes are still developing, so early detection and age-appropriate care matter for long-term vision.
Our clinic treats a wide range of paediatric eye conditions, with both consultations and surgery available through Clarity Eye Surgeons and our affiliated hospitals in Canberra.
Conditions We Treat
Childhood Cataracts
Cloudy lens conditions present from birth or developing in early childhood, treated with lens replacement surgery.
Learn moreStrabismus (Squint)
Eye misalignment treated with eye muscle surgery, helping to restore alignment and depth perception.
Learn moreBlocked Tear Duct
A common cause of watery or sticky eyes in infants, sometimes requiring a short surgical procedure to clear.
Eyelid Conditions
Conditions affecting eyelid position or function, such as ptosis (a drooping eyelid), assessed and corrected where needed.
Childhood Glaucoma
Raised pressure inside the eye in children, requiring early diagnosis and ongoing specialist management.
Learn moreRetinal Conditions
Conditions affecting the back of the eye, assessed using retinal photography and detailed imaging.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
Children rarely complain about their vision, so it helps to know what to look for.
Squinting or closing one eye to see
One eye appears to wander, turn or cross
Sitting very close to the TV or holding books close to the face
Frequent eye rubbing, even when not tired
Struggling with reading or schoolwork
Failed a vision screening at school or with the GP
What to Expect at the First Visit
- 1
Referral Review
Our clinical team triages your referral from your GP or optometrist before scheduling an appointment time.
- 2
Visual Acuity Testing
Age-appropriate charts and tests measure how clearly your child sees at different distances.
- 3
Eye Health Assessment
A check of eye alignment, movement and overall eye health, using dilating drops if needed for a clearer view.
- 4
Imaging, If Needed
Retinal photography or optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging for a detailed look at the back of the eye.
A referral from your GP or optometrist is required before booking a consultation with our ophthalmologist.
Technology We Use
Retinal Photography
Captures a detailed image of the back of the eye, helping to monitor and diagnose retinal conditions.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
A non-invasive scan that produces cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve for precise assessment.
Meet Our Paediatric Specialist
Why Choose Clarity Eye Surgeons
Fellowship-Trained in Paediatric Ophthalmology
Specialised training from institutions in the UK and USA, dedicated to the unique needs of younger patients.
Named-Surgeon Continuity
Your child is cared for by the same ophthalmologist from consultation through to surgery and follow-up.
Local Braddon Clinic
A purpose-built clinic in Braddon, Canberra, with both private and public surgical options close to home.
Family-First Communication
Clear, patient explanations for parents and children alike, in a calm and reassuring setting.
Paediatric Ophthalmology FAQs
Yes — a referral from your GP or optometrist is required. Our clinical team reviews and triages each referral before scheduling an appointment.
From the Blog
Digital Screen Use & Children's Eyes: How Much Is Too Much?
Screens are unavoidable, but how much is safe for developing eyes? Age-by-age guidelines, warning signs, and practical tips for parents.
Myopia (Short-Sightedness) in Children: Causes, Progression, Prevention & Control
Childhood myopia is rising fast, and it doesn't stop at needing glasses. Here's what causes it, how it progresses, and the evidence-based ways to slow it down.
Eye Conditions in Premature Infants (e.g. ROP): What Parents Should Know
Premature babies face a higher risk of retinopathy of prematurity and other eye conditions. Here's what ROP is, how it's screened, and what treatment looks like.