Setting young eyes on the right path
Expert paediatric ophthalmologists guiding childhood vision development, strabismus correction, amblyopia treatment, and evidence-based myopia control across the GTA.
Specialized care for developing eyes
Children’s eyes are not miniature adult eyes — they are actively developing, and conditions caught early can be treated more effectively. The visual system continues to mature until approximately age 8–10, making timely intervention critical. Our team works to identify and address issues during this crucial developmental window, when outcomes are often best.
Uptown Eye’s paediatric ophthalmologists — Dr. Fariba Nazemi and Dr. Dexter Furlonge — provide comprehensive assessment and management of childhood eye conditions, from routine developmental screening through complex strabismus surgery. Working within UVG’s integrated network, they coordinate with U Optical’s paediatric optometrists for ongoing myopia management and refractive care.
Early detection matters: Many paediatric eye conditions — including amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (eye misalignment) — respond best to treatment when identified before the visual system fully matures. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends comprehensive eye examinations at 6 months, between ages 3–5, and annually from age 6.
Common childhood eye conditions
Strabismus (eye misalignment)
A condition where the eyes do not align properly — one eye may turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward, or downward. It can be constant or intermittent, and may affect depth perception, visual development, and self-confidence. Both children and adults can be affected.
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Reduced vision in one eye that develops when the brain favours the other eye during early childhood. Often caused by strabismus, significant refractive difference between the eyes, or obstruction of the visual axis. Early treatment — including patching, atropine penalisation, and correcting the underlying cause — can restore vision.
Paediatric refractive errors
Myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism are common in children and can affect learning and development if uncorrected. Some children require specialist assessment when refractive errors are large, asymmetric, or associated with other eye conditions.
Childhood myopia progression
Myopia is increasing in prevalence worldwide, particularly in school-age children. Evidence-based management strategies — including MiSight contact lenses, myopia-controlling spectacle lenses, and low-dose atropine — can slow progression and reduce the risk of sight-threatening complications in adulthood.
Congenital and developmental conditions
Conditions present from birth or early infancy, including congenital cataracts, congenital glaucoma, nasolacrimal duct obstruction (blocked tear ducts), and developmental abnormalities of the eye. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent permanent vision loss.
Paediatric neuro-ophthalmology
Conditions affecting the visual pathways between the eyes and the brain, including optic nerve disorders, nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), and visual processing concerns. Dr. Nazemi’s fellowship training in neuro-ophthalmology provides specialist-level evaluation of these complex conditions.
How we treat paediatric eye conditions
| Treatment | What it involves | Typical age range |
|---|---|---|
| Glasses or contact lenses | Correcting refractive errors to ensure clear, balanced vision in both eyes. First-line treatment for many paediatric conditions. | All ages |
| Patching therapy | Covering the stronger eye to strengthen the weaker eye in amblyopia. Duration and schedule are tailored to each child’s age and severity. | Typically under 10 |
| Atropine penalisation | Eye drops that temporarily blur the stronger eye, encouraging use of the amblyopic eye. An alternative to patching for selected cases. | Typically under 10 |
| Myopia control | Evidence-based interventions to slow myopia progression: MiSight contact lenses, myopia-controlling spectacle lenses, and low-dose atropine drops. Coordinated with U Optical’s paediatric optometry team. | School age (6–18) |
| Strabismus surgery | Surgical adjustment of the eye muscles to improve alignment. Performed under general anaesthesia, typically as a day procedure at U Surgical Centre. One or both eyes may be operated on. | Any age |
| Tear duct probing | Gentle opening of a blocked nasolacrimal duct under brief general anaesthesia. Most blocked tear ducts resolve spontaneously by age 12 months; probing is considered when they do not. | 6–18 months typically |
| Botulinum toxin injection | Injection into specific eye muscles to temporarily weaken them, used diagnostically or therapeutically for certain types of strabismus. | Selected cases |
Strabismus surgery note: Approximately 10–20% of patients require more than one surgical procedure to achieve optimal alignment. Your surgeon will discuss this possibility during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Your child’s first visit
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Getting referred | Your child’s optometrist or family doctor provides a referral to Uptown Eye. You can also request a referral directly. We’ll book an appointment at the location most convenient for you — Brampton, Vaughan, Scarborough, or Etobicoke. |
| 2. Comprehensive assessment | Your child’s appointment typically takes 60–90 minutes. Our team will perform age-appropriate vision testing, eye alignment measurements, and a thorough eye health examination. Dilating drops are almost always required — bring sunglasses and expect light sensitivity for several hours afterward. |
| 3. Diagnosis and discussion | Your paediatric ophthalmologist will explain the findings, answer your questions, and outline the recommended treatment plan. We encourage parents and caregivers to bring a list of questions and to take notes during the consultation. |
| 4. Treatment plan | Treatment may begin immediately (such as prescribing glasses or starting patching) or may require scheduling for a procedure. If surgery is recommended, your surgeon will explain the procedure, risks, expected outcomes, and recovery timeline in detail. |
| 5. Ongoing care | Many paediatric eye conditions require monitoring over months or years as your child grows. Follow-up intervals are tailored to each condition — for example, amblyopia treatment requires regular checks to track progress, and myopia management involves ongoing measurements to assess control. |
For families: We understand that eye appointments can be stressful for young children. Our team is experienced in working with children of all ages and temperaments. Please bring a favourite toy or comfort item, and allow extra time in case your child needs breaks during testing.
Understanding costs and coverage
Ontario’s OHIP programme covers medically necessary eye care for children. Here’s what families should know about coverage for paediatric ophthalmology services.
Covered by OHIP:
- Comprehensive eye examinations for patients aged 0–19
- Specialist consultations and follow-up assessments
- Strabismus surgery (medically necessary eye muscle procedures)
- Congenital cataract surgery and follow-up care
- Tear duct probing and related procedures
- Medical treatment of paediatric eye conditions
Not covered / additional costs may apply:
- Glasses frames and lenses (some private insurance plans cover paediatric eyewear)
- MiSight and specialty contact lenses for myopia control
- Low-dose atropine drops for myopia management
- Cosmetic procedures not deemed medically necessary
Private insurance: Many employer health plans include coverage for children’s glasses, contact lenses, and eye care supplies. Check with your benefits provider for details on paediatric vision care coverage.
Common questions from parents
Our paediatric specialists
Dr. Dexter Furlonge
MBBS, MRCOphth, FRCSC
Brampton
Dr. Fariba Nazemi
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Scarborough
Dr. Lili Tong
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Etobicoke · Vaughan
Part of the UVG network: For ongoing myopia management, specialty contact lens fitting, and routine paediatric eye examinations, our team works closely with U Optical’s paediatric optometrists. If your child needs myopia control lenses or regular monitoring, we’ll coordinate directly with the U Optical team at our shared Vaughan and Scarborough locations.
Ready to see a specialist?
Most paediatric referrals are seen within two to four weeks. Ask your child’s optometrist or family doctor to send a referral, or call us directly.
(416) 292-0330 — Brampton | Vaughan | Scarborough | Etobicoke