The Division of Ophthalmology at Children's Memorial Hospital consists of five in-house staff members: Dr. Marilyn B. Mets, Dr. Janice Lasky Zeid , Dr. Bahram Rahmani, Dr. Hawke Yoon and Dr. Yana Tyler — and several part-time subspecialists with specific areas of expertise. We provide state-of-the-art treatment for pediatric eye problems and strabismus in both children and adults. All physicians are board-certified ophthalmologists with fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology. Our tertiary referral center cares for all pediatric eye problems, including conditions such as strabismus (misaligned eyes), nasolacrimal duct obstruction, cataracts, glaucoma, eye manifestations of intrauterine infections, such as toxoplasmosis, ocular oncology such as retinoblastoma, and electrophysiologic testing in children and adults.
Dr. Gary Lissner, a consultant in pediatric ophthalmic plastics, sees patients monthly and Dr. Surendra Basti, a consultant in pediatric corneal ophthalmology sees patients bi-weekly at Children's Memorial as well. In addition, Magdalena Stec, OD, our optometrist on staff, offers appointments on a weekly basis. Heath Barto CO, and Marianne Mottier, CO, COMT are certified orthoptists who are trained to diagnose and treat patients with disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision and eye movements. Dina Johnson, COA, Michelle May, COA and Leah Leark, COA , provide preverbal vision testing (TAC), ultrasonography, ophthalmic photography and visual fields. Arlene Pass in conjunction with Dr. Marilyn Mets is available for electroretinogram (ERG) testing.
Why is eye care so important?
Normal vision is one of life's most precious gifts. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, many sight-threatening diseases, if detected early, can be cured or treated to prevent, or slow, the progression of any vision loss.
The most important preventive step is receiving routine examinations by a qualified eye care professional. Children should receive their first comprehensive eye examination before the age of four, unless a specific condition or history of family childhood vision problems warrants an earlier examination.