MU Children's Hospital offers its patients the only dedicated pediatric ophthalmology clinic in the mid-Missouri area. Our team members strive to provide a level of care that is both clinically unmatched and specifically suited to children's needs.

Experience Second to None

The expert care kids receive here is tailor-made for them in every way possible. All of our vision care team members have extensive experience diagnosing and treating eye and vision problems that are unique to children.

The nurses and therapists who care for our young patients along side the physicians and opticians are highly experienced caregivers who love working with kids, and it shows. They work hard to ensure each patient feels comfortable and relaxed during their visit.

Some of the Problems We Treat

• Stabismus
• Cataract
• Glaucoma
• Metabolic and systemic disease
• Genetic disorders
• Ambylopia
• Tearing problems in children

What to Expect

Most of the time our patients come to us after a referral from their pediatrician or primary care provider. During a child's first visit, our team will get a complete medical history and do a comprehensive eye exam. After a diagnosis is made, our team will work with the patient and family to create the best treatment plan possible.

Pediatric Optical Services

Our pediatric clinic also offers two full-service optical shops located at University Optical in the lobby of University Hospital and University Optical East at 3215 Wingate Court across the street from Children's Hospital. They have specific expertise in fitting children with glasses and specialize in infant and toddler fittings. The shop has more than 100 children's frames in stock and offers same-day service for select prescriptions.

Note on state law requiring children's eye exams upon entering Missouri public school

Our team offers the eye exam each child must have in accordance with a Missouri law which states: Beginning July 1, 2008, every child enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in a public elementary school in Missouri shall receive one comprehensive vision examination performed by a state licensed optometrist or physician. Evidence of the examination shall be submitted to the school no later than January first of the first year in which the student is enrolled at the school, provided that the evidence submitted in no way violates any provisions of the Public Law 1004-191, 42 U.S.C. 201 et seq. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

The following vision examinations shall be included, but not limited to:

• Complete case history
• Visual acuity at distance (aided and unaided)
• External examination and internal examination (ophthalmoscopic examination)
• Subjective refraction to best visual acuity

Where We Are

Mason Eye Institute  University Hospital lobby level One Hospital Drive (573) 882-1506		University Eye Institute East Across the street from Children's Hospital 3215 Wingate Court (573) 882-8920
Hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M, W, F 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tues. by appointment only 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thurs.		Hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M, T, W, F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thurs.