Eye Alignment and Strabismus

Dr. Karr with a young female patient and her father

The eye alignment and strabismus clinic is part of the Elks Children's Eye Clinic at OHSU Casey Eye Institute, and offers complete eye care for adults and children with eye muscle problems. Our doctors see adults and children who have eye disorders such as refractive errors (the need for glasses), strabismus (crossed eyes), and amblyopia ("lazy eye"), and they frequently manage complex eye alignment problems after injuries or previous surgery.

Our expertise

The Elks Children’s Eye Clinic provides eye care from respected leaders who support your child’s eye health and treat strabismus in children and adults. We offer: 

  • A board-certified pediatric eye care team including fellowship-trained ophthalmologists and an optometrist so that you have the best experts in pediatric and eye alignment surgery, specialty contact lenses and eye care. 
  • The most advanced technology available anywhere for diagnosing and treating eye disease. 
  • Experts at diagnosing and treating common eye diseases as well as complicated eye conditions.   
  • A world-class facility for the treatment of eye diseases that makes both adults and kids feel at home. 

    • Appointments and titles

      • Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine

    • Expertise

      • Ophthalmology
      • Pediatrics
      • Eye Alignment/Strabismus
      • Eye Exams (Children) - Ophthalmology

    • Appointments and titles

      • Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine

    • Expertise

      • Ophthalmology
      • Eye Alignment/Strabismus
      • Eye Exams (Children) - Ophthalmology
      • Ophthalmology
      • Ophthalmology (Pediatric)
      • Pediatric Glaucoma

    • Appointments and titles

      • Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine
      • Director, Elks Children's Eye Clinic, Casey Eye Institute, School of Medicine
      • Director for Faculty Development, Casey Eye Institute, School of Medicine
      • Elks of Oregon Professor of Pediatric Opthalmology

    • Expertise

      • Ophthalmology
      • Eye Exams (Children) - Ophthalmology
      • Ophthalmology (Pediatric)
      • Strabismus

    • Appointments and titles

      • Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine

    • Expertise

      • Optometry
      • Eye Exams (Children) - Ophthalmology
      • Optometry
      • Strabismus

    • Appointments and titles

      • Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine

    • Expertise

      • Ophthalmology
      • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
      • Double Vision and Eye Misalignment
      • Eye Alignment/Strabismus
      • Eye Exams (Children) - Ophthalmology
      • Ophthalmology (Pediatric)
      • Strabismus

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

It is the medical term for when one eye or the other is turned from its normal position so the eyes cannot look at an object at the same time.

What happens during an eye exam?

We will measure your or your child's vision look at many different things that may affect eye alignment or movement. If we need to dilate your pupils with eye drops, the effect may last six hours or more after the visit. During that time, you may be sensitive to bright light and have some blurry vision.

If you are having a complete eye examination, plan on spending 60 to 90 minutes in the clinic. Most first visits require thorough examinations. Other tests or longer exams may make your visit longer.

An orthoptist is a health professional trained to evaluate disorders of vision, eye movement and eye alignment in children and adults. Orthoptists do special tests to help doctors diagnose conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus) and double vision. They may also work with you and your doctors in treating you or your child’s condition.

After your exam, the doctor will discuss treatment options. For your convenience, there is a pharmacy on the lobby level of the OHSU Casey Eye Institute.

If the exam shows that you or your child need glasses, your doctor will discuss this with you and may give you a prescription. An optician of your choice can fill your prescription. There is an optical shop on the lobby level of the OHSU Casey Eye Institute if that is convenient for you. The optical shop carries an excellent selection of eyeglass frames, even for infants and children. Visit the optical shop.

Treating strabismus sometimes means having surgery. The doctor will discuss the results of you or your child’s exam and answer any questions you may have during your visit. As a general rule, we don't perform surgery the same week as the first visit.

If this is your first visit, you may pre-register with OHSU by calling 503-494-8505 at least two days before your appointment. If you prefer to register in person, please come at least 20 minutes early

Be sure to bring all your insurance cards. If your plan requires authorization before you can have an eye exam, please call your insurance provider or primary care physician for an authorization number. If you haven't done this before arriving, we may need to reschedule your appointment. Learn more about billing and insurance at OHSU. 

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