The department of pediatric ophthalmology at Loma Linda University has a team of eye specialists ready to serve your child. We care for infants and children with diverse visual, medical, and developmental needs. Our top priority is providing comprehensive care for pediatric eye conditions, all in a kid-friendly environment.

We are actively involved in clinical research in strabismus, amblyopia, retinopathy of prematurity and vision screenings. Through both patient care and research, we are committed to giving children the best vision possible.

Conditions We Treat

The doctors in the department of pediatric ophthalmology specialize in diagnosing and treating eye conditions including those listed below. We also treat eye problems related to other diseases such as craniosynostosis, diabetes, genetic disorders, and juvenile arthritis. The pediatric ophthalmologists also treat adults with strabismus because of their expertise in correcting eye misalignment.

  • Amblyopia (Abnormal vision development)
  • Astigmatism (Abnormal curvature of the front of the eye)
  • Cataract (Clouding of the lens inside of the eye)
  • Chalazion / Hordeolum (Stye or infection/inflammation of oil glands along eyelid)
  • Corneal abrasions (Scratch to the front surface of the eye)
  • Conjunctivitis (Eye infection)
  • Esotropia (inward crossed eyes)
  • Exotropia (outward turned eye)
  • Eye injuries
  • Glaucoma (Condition causing damage to the eye’s connection to the brain (optic nerve)
  • Hyperopia (Far-sightedness)
  • Nasal lacrimal duct obstruction (Blocked tear duct)
  • Ptosis (Droopy eye lid)
  • Retinopathy of prematurity (Abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina of premature infants)

Services We Offer

Here in the department of pediatric ophthalmology, we pride ourselves on excellent patient care. Our services include:

George P. Cheng, MD Children's Vision Screening Program

What to Expect

Diagnosis

We have access to leading edge diagnostic testing to help understand your child’s eyes.

  • Corneal topography
  • Electrophysiologic testing (ERG and EOG)
  • Fundus photography
  • Fluorescein angiography
  • Fundus auto fluorescence 
  • Optical coherence tomography
  • Ultrasonography
  • Visual field testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?

  • Past eye exam records, MRI disk and imaging report, or test records
  • Glasses, if previously prescribed
  • List of medications
  • Comfort items (ie toys, snacks, bottle)
  • Paperwork for school or legal custody
  • Insurance card

What happens during an eye exam?

We will need to understand your child’s medical and eye history. We will then test your child’s vision and how the eyes team together. Eye drops may be used to dilate your child’s pupils. These drops take 30 minutes or longer to take effect, and then an optometrist or ophthalmologist will evaluate your child’s eye health and need for glasses.

Who will my child be working with during the exam?

An ophthalmic assistant tests vision and other technical parts of the exam.  An orthoptist assesses how the eye muscles work together and how the eyes move. The orthoptist may take eye muscle surgery measurements, prescribe eye exercises, or evaluate for prisms. A resident is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who is training to become an ophthalmologist. An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (OD) trained in diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Treatments can include glasses, contact lenses, or eye medications. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Treatments can include glasses, contact lenses, or eye medications.

Why are dilating eye drops needed?

The eye drops dilate your child’s pupils to take a full look inside of the eyes and to accurately measure a glasses prescription. The side effects of dilation include light sensitivity and blurry vision. This usually wears off after 4 to 8 hours but can last longer, so keep this in mind when planning for activities after the appointment. We will provide dark temporary sunglasses for your child to wear on the way home. The frequency of dilation will be determined by the optometrist or ophthalmologist, depending on your child’s diagnosis.

How do you check vision in a baby or a child who cannot speak?

We customize the exam to your child’s age and abilities. We test the vision of pre-verbal or non-verbal patients through matching games or even watching visual behavior, like tracking a toy or a light. The dilated portion of the eye exam gives reliable information without your child providing a response.

My child seems to see fine. Why is a full eye examination needed?

Many children may not be able to describe what they see or discern what is considered normal vision. A full eye examination allows us to formally check what your child can see and what their eyes show us.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

  • Increased screening: All patients will have their temperatures taken upon entry and screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Masking: Masks are no longer required in outpatient clinics. Patients, parents, and caregivers may still be required to wear masks in some inpatient areas.
  • Enhanced visitor guidelines: We ask that only one symptom-free parent accompany the
    child. Please avoid bringing other siblings or family members to reduce the risk of the
    spread of COVID-19.
  • Enhanced cleaning: We continue to follow guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting rooms, chairs, and surfaces.
  • Physical distancing: Scheduling and all shared spaces have been configured to respect physical distancing. Your time in common waiting areas will be limited to the check-in process only. Our goal is to quickly direct you to an examination room that you will stay for the duration of your visit.
  • Contactless check-in: To minimize time in shared spaces, please consider enrolling in MyChart to allow for in-car check-in. You will be notified at the phone number on file when to enter the clinic.

Please feel free to contact our clinic at 909-558-2154 with any questions or concerns you may have.

ophthalmologists putting glasses on a child

Your Care Team

All of our ophthalmologists are board-certified in pediatric ophthalmology and members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
Meet our Providers

George P. Cheng, MD Children's Vision Screening Program

What to Expect

Diagnosis

We have access to leading edge diagnostic testing to help understand your child’s eyes.

  • Corneal topography
  • Electrophysiologic testing (ERG and EOG)
  • Fundus photography
  • Fluorescein angiography
  • Fundus auto fluorescence 
  • Optical coherence tomography
  • Ultrasonography
  • Visual field testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?

  • Past eye exam records, MRI disk and imaging report, or test records
  • Glasses, if previously prescribed
  • List of medications
  • Comfort items (ie toys, snacks, bottle)
  • Paperwork for school or legal custody
  • Insurance card

What happens during an eye exam?

We will need to understand your child’s medical and eye history. We will then test your child’s vision and how the eyes team together. Eye drops may be used to dilate your child’s pupils. These drops take 30 minutes or longer to take effect, and then an optometrist or ophthalmologist will evaluate your child’s eye health and need for glasses.

Who will my child be working with during the exam?

An ophthalmic assistant tests vision and other technical parts of the exam.  An orthoptist assesses how the eye muscles work together and how the eyes move. The orthoptist may take eye muscle surgery measurements, prescribe eye exercises, or evaluate for prisms. A resident is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who is training to become an ophthalmologist. An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (OD) trained in diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Treatments can include glasses, contact lenses, or eye medications. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Treatments can include glasses, contact lenses, or eye medications.

Why are dilating eye drops needed?

The eye drops dilate your child’s pupils to take a full look inside of the eyes and to accurately measure a glasses prescription. The side effects of dilation include light sensitivity and blurry vision. This usually wears off after 4 to 8 hours but can last longer, so keep this in mind when planning for activities after the appointment. We will provide dark temporary sunglasses for your child to wear on the way home. The frequency of dilation will be determined by the optometrist or ophthalmologist, depending on your child’s diagnosis.

How do you check vision in a baby or a child who cannot speak?

We customize the exam to your child’s age and abilities. We test the vision of pre-verbal or non-verbal patients through matching games or even watching visual behavior, like tracking a toy or a light. The dilated portion of the eye exam gives reliable information without your child providing a response.

My child seems to see fine. Why is a full eye examination needed?

Many children may not be able to describe what they see or discern what is considered normal vision. A full eye examination allows us to formally check what your child can see and what their eyes show us.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

  • Increased screening: All patients will have their temperatures taken upon entry and screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Masking: Masks are no longer required in outpatient clinics. Patients, parents, and caregivers may still be required to wear masks in some inpatient areas.
  • Enhanced visitor guidelines: We ask that only one symptom-free parent accompany the
    child. Please avoid bringing other siblings or family members to reduce the risk of the
    spread of COVID-19.
  • Enhanced cleaning: We continue to follow guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting rooms, chairs, and surfaces.
  • Physical distancing: Scheduling and all shared spaces have been configured to respect physical distancing. Your time in common waiting areas will be limited to the check-in process only. Our goal is to quickly direct you to an examination room that you will stay for the duration of your visit.
  • Contactless check-in: To minimize time in shared spaces, please consider enrolling in MyChart to allow for in-car check-in. You will be notified at the phone number on file when to enter the clinic.

Please feel free to contact our clinic at 909-558-2154 with any questions or concerns you may have.

ophthalmologists putting glasses on a child

Your Care Team

All of our ophthalmologists are board-certified in pediatric ophthalmology and members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
Meet our Providers