How One Doctor Mom Tackled Myopia in Her Kids | Shieva Ghofrany, MD
As a pediatric ophthalmologist, I see firsthand how quickly nearsightedness can progress in kids—and why it’s about more than just glasses. In this episode, I talk with my friend Shieva Ghofrany, MD, a mom of three and high myope herself, about the real-life challenges of starting myopia treatments for her children and why she made it a non-negotiable. If your child’s prescription keeps increasing, this conversation will help you feel informed and empowered.
Why Are So Many Kids Nearsighted Now And Why Should We Care?
As a pediatric ophthalmologist and a mom, one of the questions I get asked most often is why so many kids are nearsighted today. It’s not just a trend—rates of myopia have risen dramatically, and it’s about more than glasses. Early and fast-progressing nearsightedness increases the risk of serious eye conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. In this post, I break down why we’re seeing this rise, why it matters, and what parents can do to help protect their children’s long-term eye health.
When It’s Not Their Vision: How Educational Therapy Can Help Kids With Learning Differences | Dominique Marinello EdD
When a child struggles with reading or learning, it’s natural for parents to wonder if it’s an eye problem. But often, the issue isn’t vision at all—it’s how the brain processes and organizes information. Educational therapy, unlike tutoring or vision therapy, focuses on building the underlying skills kids need to succeed: executive functioning, processing, and learning strategies. Early intervention is key, because the sooner children get the right support, the more confident and capable they’ll feel—not just in school, but in life.
How Vision Problems Show Up in the Classroom (And Get Misdiagnosed)
As a pediatric ophthalmologist — and a mom — I’ve seen how easily vision problems can be mistaken for inattention, learning differences, or even behavior issues. In this episode, I share my own son’s story and what I’ve learned from nearly two decades of caring for children, so parents and teachers can recognize the subtle vision signs that may be holding a child back in the classroom.
Why Eye Exams Should Be Step One for Kids With Learning Differences
Your child might not tell you they can’t see clearly—because they may not even realize it.
As a pediatric ophthalmologist and a mom, I’ve seen it time and time again: kids adapt. They squint, they compensate, they find workarounds. But those quiet signs? They matter.
Here’s what I want every parent to know about the subtle ways vision problems show up—and how to catch them early.
From Preemie to First Eye Exam: What NICU Parents Should Know
I’m breaking down why even NICU babies with healthy-looking retinas still need follow-up eye exams. I’ll walk you through common issues like farsightedness, amblyopia, and strabismus—and why that six-month checkup is so important for catching delays in visual development early, when treatment works best.
Pregnancy & Your Eyes: What Hormones Are Really Doing to Your Vision
I sat down with Dr. Amanda Horton, a board-certified OBGYN, to talk about how pregnancy can affect your vision. From dry eyes and light sensitivity to blurry vision, she breaks down what’s normal, what’s not, and why it’s best to avoid LASIK or new glasses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We also cover the vision changes that could be warning signs of more serious conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
When To Worry About Your Preemie Baby's Eyes
In this episode, I’m diving into Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)—what it is, how we detect it, and the latest treatment options. I’ll walk you through what parents really need to know, from the importance of follow-up care to the questions you should be asking your baby’s medical team. Early detection makes all the difference when it comes to protecting your child’s vision.
What No One Tells You About the NICU: A Mom’s Honest Story of Strength and Survival
In this episode, I’m joined by Kathryn Whitaker—SiriusXM radio host, podcaster, and fellow NICU mom—as we talk through the emotional and medical rollercoaster of having a premature baby. Kathryn shares her family’s powerful story, including her son’s 14-week NICU stay, and what she learned along the way. It’s a conversation filled with honesty, hope, and real-world advice for anyone walking a similar path.
Does My Baby Need Glasses?
As a pediatric ophthalmologist and strabismus surgeon, I’m often asked: Does my baby need glasses? In this episode, I break down how vision develops in the first year, key milestones, how we test vision in babies, and when glasses—or a referral—might be needed. Perfect for new parents, pediatricians, or anyone curious about infant vision.