Retina Program

The Retina Program at Boston Children’s Hospital provides specialized, multidisciplinary care for the full spectrum of pediatric retinal conditions. Our team of experts includes pediatric ophthalmologists, retina specialists, optometrists, genetic counselors, and low-vision specialists who work together to deliver personalized care and treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique needs. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment approaches, we aim to provide timely answers, effective therapies, and ongoing support that helps children maintain healthy vision and thrive in their everyday lives.

Our specialists deliver care across three integrated subprograms, each designed to address specific retinal conditions:

• Our Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Program, focused on early detection and treatment of retinal disease in premature infants.
• Our Pediatric Medical Retina Service, which specializes in inherited retinal disorders, advanced diagnostics, genetic counseling, and low-vision support.
• Our Pediatric Surgical Retina Service, offering advanced surgical treatment for retinal detachments, congenital retinal conditions, and trauma.

The ROP program provides expert care for premature infants at risk of ROP, as well as timely treatment and tailored follow-up care for those who need interventions. We carefully screen and treat infants at risk, ensuring each baby receives the right level of care needed for the best possible vision outcomes.

Our program is recognized for:

• Providing comprehensive bedside screenings for infants in the NICU
• Taking a multidisciplinary team approach to care
• Using advanced treatment options, including laser therapy, intraocular injections, retinal surgeries
• Offering regional telemedicine screening services
• Pioneering innovative ROP research

Learn about our ROP Program.

Our Pediatric Surgical Retina Service delivers specialized surgical care for complex pediatric retinal disorders. Using state-of-the-art surgical techniques and a whole-child approach to care, our team is dedicated to supporting your child’s vision and long-term health every step of the way. And because our program is one of few pediatric retina centers in the country with two full-time, fellowship-trained pediatric retina surgeons, we’re uniquely qualified to address children’s needs.

We’re recognized for our:

• Advanced surgical techniques, including specialized intraoperative imaging for precision
• Comprehensive multidisciplinary care that allows us to address all aspects of a child’s medical needs
• Leadership in treating inherited retinal diseases through gene therapy. We are a certified center of excellence for Luxturna® gene therapy
• Renown and expertise as a national and international referral center for second opinions and complex pediatric retinal surgeries

Learn about our Pediatric Surgical Retina Service.

The specialists in our Pediatric Medical Retina Service provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment to the full spectrum of retinal and visual disorders in infants, children, and young adults. We specialize in treating inherited retinal disorders such as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and Stargardt disease, as well as non-genetic retinal conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and sickle cell-related retinal issues. And we have a proven track record of success in treating even the most complex cases.

We’re known for our:

• Extensive diagnostic capabilities, including thorough testing such as retinal imaging, electrophysiology, and genetic analysis
• Innovative treatments, including gene therapies such as Luxturna®
• Multidisciplinary approach to care with a pediatric focus

Learn about our Pediatric Medical Retina Program.