Al-Shifa's Pediatric Ophthalmology Department is one of Pakistan's most specialised units for childhood eye diseases, providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment from birth through adolescence. Our fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologists work alongside orthoptists and pediatric optometrists to deliver a truly child-centred experience — from the design of our examination rooms to the instruments we use.
Early detection is paramount in childhood visual development. Our department runs dedicated screening camps, NICU-linked retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) programmes, and school-based vision initiatives that have screened over 150,000 children across Punjab.
Children are not small adults. Their visual systems are still developing, and the window for effective intervention is narrow. Our department is purpose-built around this reality — with child-friendly waiting areas, age-appropriate vision charts, and the ability to perform complete examinations under sedation when needed for young or unco-operative patients.
"Amblyopia treated before the age of seven has the highest chance of full visual recovery. Every month of delay narrows that window — which is why early screening is the most powerful tool we have."
— Prof. Dr. Naseem Akhtar, Head of Pediatric Ophthalmology
Our orthoptic team provides vision therapy, patching programmes, and atropine penalisation for amblyopia under consultant supervision. Our strabismus surgeons perform over 400 squint surgeries annually, with outcomes consistently benchmarked against international standards. For neonates, our ROP screening service operates in close collaboration with the Neonatology Unit, ensuring that every premature infant at risk receives timely retinal evaluation.
Technology & Equipment
Paediatric-Specific Diagnostic Technology
RetCam Wide-Field Imaging
Wide-field digital retinal imaging specifically designed for neonates and infants — essential for ROP documentation and monitoring.
Paediatric VEP & ERG
Visual Evoked Potentials and Electroretinography assess visual function objectively in pre-verbal children and infants.
Cycloplegic Autorefraction
Handheld autorefractors and cycloplegic refraction protocols deliver precise refractive measurements in children without co-operation difficulties.
Humphrey Visual Fields
Adapted perimetry protocols for older children to detect field defects in conditions like glaucoma, papilloedema, and cortical visual impairment.
Patient Journey
Your Child's Care Pathway
1
Initial Screening & History
A detailed developmental and ocular history is taken from parents. Any school reports or previous prescriptions are reviewed by the pediatric fellow.
2
Child-Friendly Examination
Age-appropriate visual acuity tests (Cardiff cards, Snellen, LogMAR), cover tests for alignment, and cycloplegic refraction are performed in our purpose-designed paediatric suite.
3
Specialist Consultation
A consultant pediatric ophthalmologist reviews all findings and formulates a diagnosis with a family-friendly explanation of the condition and management plan.
4
Treatment & Intervention
Spectacle prescription, occlusion therapy, surgical planning, or medical management initiated and co-ordinated with orthoptists and optometrists.
5
Long-Term Follow-Up
Structured recall schedule aligned with the child's visual development milestones, with parent-education sessions at each visit.
What We Offer
Paediatric Procedures & Treatments
Every intervention is tailored to a child's unique developmental stage and visual needs.
Strabismus (Squint) Surgery
Extraocular muscle surgery to correct misalignment, restore binocular vision, and improve cosmetic appearance — performed under general anaesthesia.
45–90 minutes
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Therapy
Supervised occlusion (patching) therapy and atropine penalisation programmes managed by our orthoptic team, with regular outcome monitoring.
Ongoing programme
ROP Laser Treatment
Diode laser photocoagulation for threshold ROP in premature neonates, performed in the NICU or our dedicated neonatal laser suite.
30–60 minutes
Congenital Cataract Surgery
Early lensectomy with or without IOL implantation for congenital cataracts, followed by optical rehabilitation and amblyopia therapy.
60–90 minutes
Ptosis Correction
Frontalis sling or levator resection surgery for congenital or acquired ptosis, preventing amblyopia and improving visual and cosmetic outcomes.
60–90 minutes
Nasolacrimal Duct Probing
Probing and irrigation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) — a common cause of watery eyes in infants under 12 months.
15–30 minutes
Parent Stories
What Parents Say
Families who entrusted their children's vision to Al-Shifa's Pediatric Ophthalmology team.
"Our son Bilal was diagnosed with a squint at the age of three. We were terrified but Dr. Sana was wonderful — she explained everything clearly and the surgery was smooth. Six months later, Bilal's eyes are perfectly aligned and his confidence has transformed. We are so grateful to the entire team."
FA
Fariha Aslam (Parent)
Islamabad — Strabismus Surgery for 3-year-old
"My premature baby was screened for ROP within days of birth. The team found early changes and treated with laser immediately. She is now two years old with normal vision. Without Al-Shifa's ROP programme, I shudder to think what might have happened. This hospital saved her sight."
The critical window for treating amblyopia and squint is before age seven. Early intervention means the difference between full recovery and permanent visual impairment. Book your child's assessment today.
