Lazy & Crossed Eyes

Why a pediatric ophthalmologist?

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A pediatric ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, trained in the specialty of ophthalmology and in the subspecialty of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes). Many pediatric ophthalmologists restrict their practice to children or adults with related problems and thus are particularly qualified to treat pediatric vision problems.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MD's) who have had four years of medical school, at least one year of internship training in a hospital, and at least three years of residency training in ophthalmology. They are equipped to provide total eye care: they examine for and fit eye glasses; prescribe oral, intravenous, and topical medications; and perform all types of laser and incisional eye surgery. Pediatric ophthalmologists have chosen to specialize in eye disorders unique to infants, children and adolescents including inherited eye diseases, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed or wandering eyes), and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism). Subspecialty training in pediatric ophthalmology requires at least one year of fellowship.

Children's eyes and vision are still developing after birth, so many of the diseases that affect their eyes can have a life-long impact if untreated. Pediatric ophthalmology evolved over the past 30 years in response to the exponential growth of information about children's eye problems and advances in surgical and non-surgical techniques to address those problems. In addition, as part of their training, pediatric ophthalmologists learn how to examine a frightened or uncooperative child in a manner which is non threatening but which is effective in obtaining the most information about that child's vision. In this way a more accurate and complete diagnosis and treatment plan can be achieved.

Thus a pediatric ophthalmologist is specifically trained to diagnose and treat children with eye and vision problems. Their training and expertise uniquely qualify them to protect a child's visual future.

Lisa S. Abrams, MD, a native and resident of Baltimore. She specializes in pediatric ophthalmology. Dr. Abrams areas of expertise include surgical correction for strabismus (crossed or wandering eyes), diagnosis and treatment for amblyopia (lazy eye), blocked tear ducts, congenital eye diseases, genetic eye diseases, and eye examinations and glasses for children.

Pediatric & Young Adult Eye Care Team


L-R: Stephen Cyford, OD • Lisa Abrams, MD • Jeanette Bonsack, OD • Jana Mattheu, CO, COMT

The Pediatric & Young Adult Eye Care Team of Parris-Castoro Eye & Laser Center offers today’s most advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures to ensure the best eye health and visual development for children of all ages.

The pediatric team has extensive medical training in children’s eye disorders and offers a wide range of treatment options, optometric and ophthalmic services, as well as, a “kid friendly” atmosphere. Under the direction of ophthalmologist, Lisa S. Abrams, MD, the team includes: Jeanette M. Bonsack, OD; Stephen D. Cyford, OD; & Jana Mattheu, CO, COMT (see reverse for bios). Together they specialize in:

The practice also specializes in treating children with many uncommon eye conditions such as: cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, ptosis (droopy lids) and tearing problems; along with treating most eye injuries.


1 out of 20 children has a visual problem that if left untreated, results in permanent vision loss.

AAPOS recommends that children have a visual acuity assessment by the age of 3. However, our pediatric team recommends a full eye exam when there is a family history of a childhood eye problem, if your child appears to have an eye problem or if you have any concerns prior to your child starting kindergarten.