The purpose of this program is to provide up-to-date information on diagnosing and treating a variety of congenital and acquired eye diseases in infants and children. Children are difficult to examine and thus present challenges for everyone involved in their management. Many subtle signs and symptoms are missed, resulting in delayed
treatment and possible permanent visual abnormalities. It is of paramount importance for optometrists, family practitioners, and emergency room physicians to be aware of the common infections and inflammations of the eye in children and be able to diagnose and treat them accordingly. Most cases can be examined by the naked
eye, eye loupes or slit lamp, when available. Prompt initiation of first aid, topical or systemic antibiotics and referral to an ophthalmologist, when necessary, can save vision.