Pediatric Eye Care Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare field, the focus on Pediatric Eye Care Specialists is increasingly significant.

As awareness and understanding of children’s eye care needs progress, the demand for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and manage pediatric visual health grows.

So, what’s truly expected from a Pediatric Eye Care Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the key responsibilities of this role,
• A healthcare hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the realm of pediatric eye care,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Pediatric Eye Care Specialist job description template, crafted for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Eye Care Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Eye Care Specialists provide specialized ophthalmologic care to children and adolescents.

They utilize their expert knowledge of pediatric eye diseases and disorders to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that affect children’s vision.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Performing comprehensive eye examinations for children and adolescents
• Diagnosing and managing pediatric eye conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed or turned eyes), congenital disorders, and refractive errors
• Performing surgical procedures, as needed, for conditions such as strabismus or cataracts
• Prescribing corrective lenses or other treatments to improve vision
• Monitoring and managing progression of eye diseases, including retinopathy of prematurity in premature babies
• Providing emergency eye care for injuries or acute vision problems
• Advising parents and caregivers on how to promote eye health and prevent vision problems
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians and neurologists, to provide comprehensive care
• Conducting research to advance knowledge of pediatric ophthalmology and improve patient care

 

Pediatric Eye Care Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Pediatric Eye Care Specialist to diagnose and treat eye conditions in children.

Your responsibilities will include conducting thorough eye examinations, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing common eye disorders.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with children and a deep understanding of pediatric ophthalmology.

You should be able to provide comprehensive eye care and work effectively with a multidisciplinary team.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive eye exams on pediatric patients
• Diagnose and treat eye diseases and conditions
• Prescribe corrective lenses and medications
• Provide vision therapy and rehabilitation
• Coordinate care with other health professionals as needed
• Document medical history and treatment plans
• Educate patients and their families on eye care
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in pediatric eye care

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Pediatric Eye Care Specialist or similar role
• Board certified in ophthalmology
• Additional training in pediatric ophthalmology
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to comfort and reassure patients and their families
• Able to use electronic medical records efficiently
• Doctor of Optometry (OD) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Retirement plan

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Eye Care Specialist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. May involve occasional travel between clinics.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Medical Officer or Clinic Manager.
• Salary: Salary is dependent upon experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $100,000 minimum to $200,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Eye Care Specialist Do?

Pediatric Eye Care Specialists, often referred to as Pediatric Ophthalmologists, are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating eye problems in children.

They play a crucial role in ensuring the visual development in children is on track, which is critical for their overall growth and learning.

They provide comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and detect any vision problems or eye diseases at an early stage.

Pediatric Eye Care Specialists also diagnose and treat a wide range of pediatric eye conditions such as strabismus (misaligned eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and congenital eye disorders.

They also manage ocular diseases that are often associated with systemic conditions in children, such as diabetes or juvenile arthritis.

In severe cases, these specialists may perform eye surgeries to correct or improve eye conditions.

Additionally, they provide pre-operative and post-operative care for their young patients.

Pediatric Eye Care Specialists often collaborate with other pediatric specialists and medical professionals to provide holistic care to their patients.

They also educate parents and caregivers on the importance of regular eye check-ups and protective eye care for children.

 

Pediatric Eye Care Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Eye Care Specialist should possess a range of medical, technical, and interpersonal skills to treat and manage eye conditions in children, including:

• Comprehensive knowledge of pediatric ophthalmology to diagnose and treat various eye conditions and diseases in children.
• Technical skills to perform various eye exams, procedures, and surgeries, such as strabismus surgery, cataract surgery, and retinal surgery.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with children and their parents, explain complex medical conditions in a clear and understandable way, and provide emotional support.
• Patient management skills to manage patient records, track progress, and make informed decisions about treatment plans.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to build trust with young patients, making them feel comfortable during examinations and treatments.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address complications or unexpected issues that may arise during treatment or surgery.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a team of medical professionals, including general pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, and pediatric surgeons.
• Continual learning and development skills to stay updated with the latest developments, research, and techniques in pediatric ophthalmology.

 

Pediatric Eye Care Specialist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Eye Care Specialists, also known as Pediatric Ophthalmologists, generally require extensive education and training.

They must first complete a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a four-year medical school program.

Upon graduation, they must complete a one-year internship, usually in a general medical setting.

Following this, they must complete a three-year residency in ophthalmology, where they will gain significant experience in adult and pediatric eye care.

After their residency, pediatric eye care specialists will usually complete a 1 to 2-year fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology, where they will gain specialized experience in diagnosing and treating eye conditions in children.

Upon completion of their fellowship, pediatric eye care specialists are generally eligible for employment.

However, some employers may prefer candidates with several years of experience in the field or those who have experience with specific procedures or conditions.

Furthermore, those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience and may be ready for a higher-level position, such as a department head or lead pediatric ophthalmologist.

 

Pediatric Eye Care Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Eye Care Specialists, also known as Pediatric Ophthalmologists, typically start their educational journey with a bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, individuals must attend medical school which is a 4-year program.

Here, they learn the fundamentals of medicine and healthcare, as well as gain hands-on clinical experience.

Once they have completed medical school, they will need to do a residency in ophthalmology, which usually lasts for 3 to 4 years.

This program provides in-depth training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.

Because the specialty is pediatric, additional training in pediatric ophthalmology is required.

This typically involves a fellowship that lasts for 1 to 2 years, where they focus on eye conditions and diseases specific to children.

After all the training, the individual must pass the exam by the American Board of Ophthalmology to become a board-certified ophthalmologist.

Some may choose to also get certified by the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, though it’s not required.

Ongoing education and training are highly recommended in this field to stay updated with the latest advancements in pediatric eye care.

 

Pediatric Eye Care Specialist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Eye Care Specialist, also known as a Pediatric Ophthalmologist, typically earns an average salary of $217,000 (USD) per year.

This income can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, the specific region in which they practice, and the nature of their employer, be it a private practice, hospital, or clinic.

 

Pediatric Eye Care Specialist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric Eye Care Specialist need?

A Pediatric Eye Care Specialist needs a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, which typically takes 4 years to complete.

Following this, they must undertake a residency program specializing in pediatric optometry, which is typically 1-2 years long.

They must be licensed to practice in their state and may also need additional certification in pediatric optometry.

 

What are the duties of a Pediatric Eye Care Specialist?

A Pediatric Eye Care Specialist performs comprehensive eye exams, diagnoses and treats eye diseases and conditions, prescribes corrective eyewear, and provides pre- and post-operative care for children undergoing eye surgeries.

They also educate parents and caregivers about the importance of child eye care and preventative measures.

 

What skills are important for a Pediatric Eye Care Specialist?

Pediatric Eye Care Specialists should be patient and have excellent communication skills to interact with children of all ages and their parents.

They should also have good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for performing precise procedures.

A good knowledge of the latest treatments, techniques, and technologies in pediatric optometry is also necessary.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Eye Care Specialist resume?

Look for a Doctor of Optometry degree and completion of a pediatric optometry residency program.

A valid state license and additional certification in pediatric optometry are also important.

Additionally, experience in pediatric eye care, knowledge of the latest treatments, and evidence of good communication and patient-care skills are key things to look out for.

 

Is it challenging to find a Pediatric Eye Care Specialist?

Finding a Pediatric Eye Care Specialist can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a lot of advanced education and training, and there are fewer professionals in this field compared to general optometry.

Therefore, it may be necessary to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract the right candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken an in-depth look into the critical role of a pediatric eye care specialist.

And you know what?

It’s not just about checking eyesight.

It’s about safeguarding the vision of future generations, one pediatric examination at a time.

Equipped with our tailored pediatric eye care specialist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Enhance your understanding with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to the finest detail.

Remember:

Every eye examination contributes to the broader vision of children’s health.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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