Our Ophthalmologists

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) and specialist trained to diagnose and treat all medical and surgical diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system. The ophthalmologist may prescribe glasses, medications, or other treatments and, when necessary, perform surgery.

Eric A. Packwood, MD, MBA

• Bachelor’s degree: Rice University

• Medical degree: Baylor College of Medicine

• Residency in ophthalmology: St. Louis University

• Fellowship: Washington University

Dr. Michael G. Hunt

• Bachelor’s degree: Baylor University

• Medical degree: Baylor College of Medicine

• Residency in ophthalmology: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

• Fellowship: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Alan A. Norman, MD

• Bachelor’s degree: Texas A&M University

• Medical degree: Baylor College of Medicine

• Residency in ophthalmology: University of Oklahoma Dean A. McGee Eye Institute

• Fellowship: Washington University

Sarah Madison Duff-Lynes, MD

• Bachelor’s degree: Vanderbilt University​

• Medical degree: Baylor College of Medicine

• Residency in ophthalmology: University of Oklahoma Dean A. McGee Eye Institute

• Fellowship: Duke University​

David F. Sanchy, MD

• Bachelor’s degree: Brigham Young University

• Medical degree: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

• Residency in ophthalmology: Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan

• Fellowship: Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan

Our Optometrists

An optometrist or doctor of optometry (OD) deals with the health of the eye, often conducting a vision exam and then prescribing glasses or contact lenses. They may also diagnose and treat certain disorders of the visual system.

• Alicia Derry, OD

• Emily Horn, OD

• Trey Paschal, OD

Our Orthoptist

An orthoptist (CO) deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye movement and alignment disorders, such as strabismus and double vision, as well as managing the care plans of patients diagnosed with amblyopia (poor vision in one eye compared with the other).

• Susan Pharis, CO COMT

• Aishat Badmus, CO, MMedSci

Our Partners

Pediatric Eye Specialists partner with the following organizations.

• Child Vision Center

  • A world-class research and diagnostic center for pediatric ophthalmology that advances excellence in eye care for all children. Learn more.

• SpecialEyes Optical

  • The only eyewear shop in Tarrant County exclusively for children. Available at all three Pediatric Eye locations. Learn more.

Pediatric Amblyopia

Pediatric amblyopia, widely known as a lazy eye, is a visual development disorder where someone’s eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity regardless of what prescription of glasses or contact lenses someone is wearing. It begins during infancy or young childhood due to a variety of causes. If one eye can not see as well as the the other eye, the brain may favor the stronger eye, leading to poor visual development in the weaker eye. Causes can include strabismus (misaligned eyes), significant differences in the refractive error between the two eyes (anisometropia), or a physical obstruction such as a cataract, corneal abnormality, or ptosis (droopy eyelid). Recognizing the signs early is vital, because treatment is most successful when started at a young age. Treatment options include corrective eyewear, eye patches, or atropine drops. New devices, such as NovaSight or Luminopia, may also be an option for select children. Surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of the amblyopia (such as removing a cataract, correcting ptosis, or aligning the eyes). Addressing pediatric amblyopia promptly can help prevent long-term visual impairment and support a child’s overall development.

Congenital Cataracts

Congenital cataracts, by definition, are cataracts that are present when a child is born. Congenital cataracts may be discovered when either you or a physician recognizes that the normal red reflex seen in a child’s eye is dim or nonexistent. Treating congenital cataracts early is absolutely essential. If you believe your child has a congenital cataract, please contact Pediatric Eye Specialists to be seen immediately.

A cataract is a clouding of the normal intraocular (inside the eye) crystalline lens. An intraocular lens normally allows light (the image that your child sees) to pass through and then focuses (acts like a pair of glasses inside of the eye) that light on the retina (the brain tissue on the back wall of the eye that lets your child see). When a lens becomes a cataract, light is no longer able to pass through to allow your child to see. Because of this, the only treatment for a congenital cataract is to surgically remove the lens.

Dermoid Eye Cysts

A dermoid cyst is a benign growth commonly present from birth, which can occur on various parts of the body, including near the eyebrows or eyelids in children. These cysts are encased pouches of tissue that can contain fluid, hair, skin glands, or even teeth. In the context of pediatric ophthalmology, when located near the eye, they may affect a child’s comfort and appearance, and in some cases, their vision. While typically harmless, dermoid cysts can grow over time, making early detection and treatment advisable to prevent potential complications or discomfort for the child.

Diplopia

Double vision, medically known as diplopia, is the simultaneous perception of two images of a single object that may be displaced horizontally, vertically, or diagonally in relation to each other. In children, this condition can be particularly concerning as it may interfere with their development, learning, and daily activities.

Esotropia

Pediatric esotropia, commonly known as “crossed eyes,” is an eye condition that manifests in early childhood, where one or both eyes turn inward towards the nose. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may vary in severity. It affects the way the eyes work together, potentially leading to problems with depth perception and binocular vision. The causes of pediatric esotropia are diverse, including genetic factors, muscle imbalances, or neurological conditions. It’s crucial to address this condition early, as it can impact a child’s visual development and may lead to amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, where the brain favors one eye over the other. Effective treatments are available, ranging from glasses and medical therapy to surgical interventions, each tailored to the child’s specific needs and condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to ensuring optimal visual development and function as the child grows.

Exotropia

Exotropia in children is an eye condition characterized by one or both eyes turning outward away from the nose, which can disrupt binocular vision and depth perception. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent, becoming more noticeable when the child is tired or focusing on distant objects. Often referred to as “wall-eyed,” exotropia can range from a slight outward deviation to a more pronounced turn that is readily apparent. The condition might be present at birth, known as congenital exotropia, or develop later in childhood. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing potential visual impairment, such as amblyopia (lazy eye), and to promote the development of proper binocular vision, ensuring children can engage fully with their environment. Pediatric Eye Specialists focuses on understanding the unique aspects of each case of exotropia, providing comprehensive care tailored to support the visual health and overall well-being of every child.

Lacrimal System Disorders

Lacrimal system disorders in children encompass a range of conditions that affect the eyes’ ability to produce and drain tears properly. These disorders can lead to symptoms such as excessive tearing, ocular discomfort, crusting or mattering of the eyelashes, eyelid skin discomfort, or more rarely, recurrent eye infections. While these could arise from congenital anomalies, blockages, or infections of the tear ducts, more commonly this is something that a large percentage of young infants experience. Properly functioning lacrimal systems are vital for the lubrication and protection of the eyes, and when disorders are present, they can impact a child’s quality of life by causing discomfort or impairing vision. Timely diagnosis and treatment of these disorders are important to manage symptoms.

Leukocoria

Pediatric leukocoria is a medical sign in children characterized by an abnormal white reflection inside the pupil of the eye. Unlike the typical red reflex seen when light shines into the eye, leukocoria can indicate the presence of serious eye diseases such as retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer), congenital cataracts, or a retinal detachment from a variety of causes. This condition is often first noticed in photographs, where one or both of the child’s pupils appear white instead of red. Early detection and treatment of the underlying causes of leukocoria are crucial, as they can significantly impact visual development and overall eye health. The causes of leukocoria are broad. While we do strongly recommend that a family with a child diagnosed with leukocoria schedule an appointment with haste, we also want families to remember that this is frequently misdiagnosed and some causes of a visualized leukocoria by a pediatrician or parent are relatively harmless compared to others. Pediatric leukocoria demands prompt medical attention and a comprehensive evaluation by pediatric eye care specialists to determine the appropriate course of action.

Nystagmus

Pediatric nystagmus is a condition marked by involuntary, rhythmic eye movement that can affect one or both eyes in children. These movements can be horizontal, vertical, or even circular and often result from neurological or developmental issues. The erratic motion can cause a child’s vision to be shaky or blurry, potentially impacting their ability to focus clearly on objects. The intensity of nystagmus can vary, with some children experiencing mild movement that becomes pronounced when they are tired or stressed, while others may have constant and noticeable oscillations. Early and precise diagnosis is essential for managing the condition effectively, as it can influence a child’s visual development, learning, and daily activities.

Ocular Motility Disorder

An ocular motility disorder refers to a condition where the movement of the eyes is abnormal or limited, affecting how the eyes can follow, fixate, and look at objects in various directions. These disorders can stem from issues with the muscles that control eye movements, the nerves that send signals to them, such as the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves, or the brain areas that coordinate these signals. Symptoms can include diplopia (double vision), difficulty tracking moving objects, and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), which can lead to challenges in perceiving depth and maintaining clear vision. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing these disorders to support a child’s visual development and overall quality of life.

Ptosis

An ocular motility disorder refers to a condition where the movement of the eyes is abnormal or limited, affecting how the eyes can follow, fixate, and look at objects in various directions. These disorders can stem from issues with the muscles that control eye movements, the nerves that send signals to them, such as the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves, or the brain areas that coordinate these signals. Symptoms can include diplopia (double vision), difficulty tracking moving objects, and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), which can lead to challenges in perceiving depth and maintaining clear vision. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing these disorders to support a child’s visual development and overall quality of life.

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially serious eye disorder affecting premature infants. This condition occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and spread throughout the retina, the layer of tissue in the back of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. These abnormal vessels are fragile and can leak, leading to retinal scarring and detachment, which can result in vision impairment or blindness if not treated. The severity of ROP can vary, with some cases being mild and resolving on their own, while others require medical intervention to prevent vision loss. Early detection and treatment are crucial, typically involving regular eye examinations in at-risk infants, particularly those born very prematurely or with very low birth weight. The prognosis of ROP depends on the severity and the timely application of treatments like Avastin or laser, aimed at preserving vision and promoting normal retinal development.

Strabismus
Strabismus, often referred to as “crossed eyes” or “squint,” occurs when the eyes are not aligned properly. This misalignment can result from one eye turning inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards, while the other eye focuses on a single point. It can affect children from birth (congenital strabismus) or develop later in life. Strabismus can lead to decreased vision in an eye (amblyopia) and can impact a child’s perception of depth.

Tear Duct Blockage

In the case of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, the normal flow of tears is blocked. This can occur at any point in the tear drainage system but most commonly happens at the nasolacrimal duct. For infants, this is often due to a congenital issue where the duct isn’t fully open at birth. In older children, blockages can result from chronic nasal inflammation, trauma, or, rarely, tumors. Proper tear drainage is vital. Without it, tears can accumulate, causing the eyes to become excessively watery, a condition known as epiphora. More seriously, stagnant tears can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infections or inflammation of the surrounding tissue.

Uveitis

Pediatric uveitis is an inflammatory eye condition affecting the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, in children. This inflammation can cause redness, pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity, potentially affecting one or both eyes. Uveitis in children can be associated with autoimmune disorders, infections, or can be idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown. The condition can range from mild to severe and, if left untreated, may lead to complications like glaucoma, cataracts, or even vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing symptoms and preventing long-term eye damage, helping to preserve a child’s vision and overall eye health.