Educational resources on the Blog, YouTube, Podcast, & more

As a mom of three, I see how much screens shape my kids’ world — from homework to friendships to how they relax. But lately, I’ve noticed something deeper: screens aren’t just stealing time; they’re reshaping how kids feel. In this week’s episode of In Focus, I sat down with Michael Jacobus, founder of Reset Summer Camp, to talk about what screen addiction really looks like in teens — and how families can help kids reconnect with the real world again.

As a mom of three and a pediatric ophthalmologist, I’ve seen screen time from both sides — the medical and the emotional. I don’t believe in banning screens, but I do believe in setting thoughtful, science-backed boundaries that help kids learn self-control and protect their vision. In this post, I’m sharing the exact checklist, apps, and daily systems that have made screen time more peaceful (and a lot less guilt-filled) in our home.

There have been moments where I’ve told my kids to turn off their screens and instantly regretted it — not because I didn’t mean it, but because I knew what was coming next: the tears, the frustration, the full emotional unraveling. For a long time, I felt powerless against the pull of screens. But as Dr. Gabie Izralson reminded me, we’re actually the ones in control. Once I reframed that, everything shifted. I stopped seeing screens as the enemy and started seeing them as something we could manage — with structure, communication, and a little more grace for everyone involved.

I see this all the time in my clinic—and in my own home. As both a pediatric ophthalmologist and a mom of three, I know how overwhelming the screen time battles can feel. We all want to protect our kids’ health, but between conflicting studies, endless advice, and the sheer pull of technology, it’s tough to know where to start. That’s why I always turn back to the research and then ask: how do we actually make this doable in real life?

I sat down with Dr. Jesse Berry, director of Ocular Oncology at CHLA, to talk about retinoblastoma—a rare childhood eye cancer that can first appear as a white reflex in photos. We discuss what parents should watch for, how it’s diagnosed, and the treatments that can save not only a child’s vision, but their life.

I see kids every single day who come in for glasses, only to need a stronger prescription year after year. Parents often wonder if the glasses are actually making things worse—and the truth is, in some ways, they can. In this blog, I’m breaking down why nearsightedness progresses, what new research shows about traditional lenses, and the exciting advances in glasses that can actually slow myopia in children.

As a pediatric ophthalmologist and mom, I get asked all the time why my kids don’t wear glasses—even though my husband is very nearsighted. The truth is, I started them on low-dose atropine eye drops years ago, before they ever needed glasses. In this post, I share why I made that decision, the science behind treating “pre-myopia,” and what it’s been like balancing evidence, parenting, and prevention in real life.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As a pediatric ophthalmologist and mom of three, I break down what every parent should know about nearsightedness, screen time, and protecting your child’s vision. Backed by research and real-life experience, this episode makes kids’ eye health easier to understand—and act on.

Have you ever noticed tiny specks, squiggles, or cobweb-like shadows drifting across your vision? Do they move when you try to focus on them? Are they just annoying, or could they be a sign of something serious?

Do you really need sunglasses in the snow? What about on cloudy days? In today’s episode, Dr. Rupa Wong, ophthalmologist, is sharing why sunglasses are a must in winter—yes, even when the skies are overcast. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, which can double your UV exposure and increase your risk of serious eye damage.

Is screen time harmful for babies? What does the science really say? In this episode of It’s Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More, Dr. Rupa Wong breaks down the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations, dives into fascinating studies on how screens affect the developing brain, and explores the often-overlooked issue of secondhand screen exposure. You’ll learn:• What the AAP and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) recommend for screen time.

In this episode of It’s Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More, Dr. Rupa Wong tackles the most frequently asked questions about amblyopia (lazy eye) and its treatments. Whether you’re a parent trying to keep your toddler engaged during patch time, or curious about the latest alternatives like virtual reality, this episode is packed with evidence-backed answers to help you feel confident in your child’s care.

Have you ever wondered why your eyelid twitches? Is it from too much caffeine, stress, or something more serious? In this episode of It’s Good to See You, Dr. Rupa Wong breaks down the mystery behind eye twitching, also known as myokymia.

The holidays are all about fun, family, and festive activities—but they can also bring hidden risks for your eyes. In this episode of It’s Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More, Dr. Rupa Wong shares surprising ways the holidays can lead to eye injuries and what you can do to prevent them. From popular toys and sports to sparklers and cooking, learn how to keep your loved ones safe while celebrating.

In this Q&A episode, Dr. Wong answers listener questions about how she has time for non-profit charity work, her take on managing motherhood and life as a practice owner and physician, as well as how she recommends improving practice flow and efficiency.

In my latest podcast episode, 'Ocular Migraines: When to Worry', I’m exploring how migraines can affect your vision and overall eye health. Here’s what you’ll learn:
-What migraines are and why they’re so much more than just a headache, including their impact on the visual system.
-Migraine aura explained: the neurological event behind zigzag patterns, blind spots, and flashes of light—and why they can happen even without a headache.
-The key differences between ocular migraines and retinal migraines, and how to know when to worry.
-Why migraines can feel like “an ice pick in your eye,” and the role of the trigeminal nerve in eye pain.
-Surprising links between dry eye and migraines—and how treating dry eye might bring relief.

This episode is perfect for anyone curious about the connection between migraines and vision or looking to better understand these conditions.

In this episode of "It's Good to See You," we sit down with Dr. Kathryn Hatch, Director of the Refractive Surgery Service at Mass Eye and Ear, to address common misconceptions about LASIK surgery. We explore topics such as the real risks and benefits of LASIK, how to choose the right surgeon for your vision correction needs, and the truth behind online fear-mongering about the procedure.

In this episode of It's Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More, Dr. Rupa Wong dives into the details of one of the most common eye complaints—pink eye, or conjunctivitis. Not all pink eye is the same, so understanding the differences between viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis can help you recognize symptoms, manage treatment, and avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Dr. Wong also explores less common causes, including chlamydial and HSV conjunctivitis, and shares insights from the latest research in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on antibiotic use for pink eye in children.

In this Q&A episode, Dr. Wong answers listener questions about one of the most common (and pesky!) eye issues—styes. From what causes them to the best ways to treat them, and even when surgery might be necessary, this episode covers everything you need to know to keep your eyes healthy and stye-free. Whether you're wondering if makeup is to blame, what treatments are best for kids, or if that stubborn bump needs a little extra help to go away, Dr. Wong’s got the answers!

In this episode of It's Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More, Dr. Rupa Wong, a pediatric ophthalmologist, dives into everything parents need to know about their child’s eye exam. From when to schedule that first exam to what happens during each step, Dr. Wong walks parents through the entire process, addressing common questions and concerns to make sure they’re fully prepared. Whether it’s understanding the importance of a cycloplegic refraction, why eye exams are essential beyond vision screenings, or tips for making the visit a positive experience, this episode equips parents with all they need to know to feel confident about their child’s eye care.