Which department should a child with astigmatism visit?

In general, for children with astigmatism, appropriate departments to visit include pediatric ophthalmology, optometry, comprehensive ophthalmology, specialized departments at children's eye hospitals, or strabismus and amblyopia clinics, depending on the specific situation. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Pediatric Ophthalmology

Pediatric ophthalmology is the core department for diagnosing and treating astigmatism in children, suitable for cases where astigmatism is accompanied by decreased vision or blurred vision. Since children’s eyes are still developing, doctors in this department are familiar with pediatric ocular physiological characteristics. They can accurately determine the degree of astigmatism through professional refraction and correct vision using methods such as eyeglasses, thereby protecting visual development.

2. Optometry

If a child requires precise refraction and glasses fitting, or consideration of orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lenses), the optometry department is recommended. Specialists here focus on vision correction and will conduct comprehensive visual function assessments to evaluate the impact of astigmatism on vision, then develop individualized correction plans to improve visual quality.

3. Comprehensive Ophthalmology

In some hospitals that do not have highly specialized departments, the comprehensive ophthalmology department can manage childhood astigmatism. This department handles various eye conditions; doctors will first rule out other ocular abnormalities associated with astigmatism, then confirm the diagnosis through refraction and other tests, providing basic corrective recommendations.

4. Specialized Departments at Children’s Eye Hospitals

Specialized departments within children’s eye hospitals offer more targeted care for pediatric astigmatism. Equipped with pediatric-specific refractive instruments and staffed by physicians with extensive clinical experience, these departments are capable of managing complex cases such as high astigmatism or irregular astigmatism, delivering professional diagnosis and treatment.

5. Strabismus and Amblyopia Clinic

If a child's astigmatism is accompanied by strabismus or amblyopia, they should be referred to the strabismus and amblyopia clinic. Astigmatism may lead to abnormal visual development and result in amblyopia. Doctors in this specialty simultaneously address astigmatism and related strabismus or amblyopia, using treatments such as occlusion therapy and visual training to promote coordinated development of binocular visual function.

In addition, if parents are unsure which department to visit for their child's astigmatism, they may consult the hospital’s information desk. Furthermore, in daily life, screen time on electronic devices should be limited, and regular vision check-ups should be encouraged to detect and correct astigmatism early.