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The best pediatric ophthalmologist in Chicago depends on your child’s diagnosis, location and need for hospital-based care. This 2026 comparison highlights five physicians whose official profiles document pediatric ophthalmology training or practice. For community care, Mohammad Al-Khudari, MD, offers pediatric ophthalmology at Family Eye Physicians. Complex conditions may call for a university or children’s-hospital team.
Key takeaways
- Choose by clinical fit, not a generic star rating.
- Ask whether the doctor routinely treats your child’s specific condition and age group.
- Confirm insurance, referral requirements and appointment location before booking.
- Hospital programs can be useful when a child needs several pediatric subspecialists in one system.
How did we choose pediatric ophthalmologists for this list?
This list uses facts published on physician, hospital and practice websites as of September 21, 2026. A doctor had to have an official profile documenting pediatric ophthalmology practice, training or a clearly defined pediatric role in Chicago. We also looked for useful distinctions such as strabismus care, pediatric cataract care, retinopathy of prematurity or access to a multidisciplinary children’s hospital.
“Best” is not a clinical ranking. We did not score surgical outcomes, bedside manner or availability because comparable public data were not available. The right choice is the physician whose scope matches the child’s condition, whose location is workable and whose office confirms insurance participation. Families should verify those details directly because schedules and plan networks change.
| Physician | Practice setting | Documented focus | Useful fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Al-Khudari, MD | Family Eye Physicians | Pediatric ophthalmology fellowship; comprehensive ophthalmology | Community-based evaluation and ongoing care |
| Sarah Hilkert Rodriguez, MD, MPH | UChicago Medicine | Amblyopia, strabismus, pediatric cataracts and ROP | Academic care in Hyde Park |
| Elizabeth M. Bolton, MD | Lurie Children’s | Pediatric ophthalmology, strabismus and ROP program leadership | Children’s-hospital care and complex disease |
| Benjamin Mathew, MD | UI Health | General pediatric ophthalmology, pediatric cataract and blocked tear duct | Broad pediatric care in the Illinois Medical District |
| Mehmet Cem Mocan, MD, MPH | UI Health | Pediatric cataracts, congenital glaucoma and strabismus | Medical and surgical pediatric eye disease |
Who is Mohammad Al-Khudari, MD?
Mohammad Al-Khudari, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Family Eye Physicians. His official profile states that he completed a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship at Children’s Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University. His practice offers a community option for families seeking evaluation, treatment planning and follow-up within a multisite Chicagoland eye practice.
Dr. Al-Khudari’s profile also describes research in pediatric ophthalmology and membership in the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Families can read more on Dr. Al-Khudari’s physician page and review the practice’s pediatric ophthalmology services. For children who need several pediatric hospital specialties at once, ask whether a hospital-based program would be a better starting point.
Who is Sarah Hilkert Rodriguez, MD, MPH?
Sarah Hilkert Rodriguez, MD, MPH, is a UChicago Medicine pediatric ophthalmologist whose official profile lists care for amblyopia, strabismus, pediatric cataracts and retinopathy of prematurity. It also identifies her as an associate professor and notes research involvement with the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group.
Her Hyde Park setting may suit families who want pediatric eye care inside a major academic medical system. The published profile also notes adjustable-suture work for adult strabismus, but parents should call specifically about pediatric appointment availability, referral rules and the location appropriate for their child.
Who is Elizabeth M. Bolton, MD?
Elizabeth M. Bolton, MD, is a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist and strabismus specialist at Lurie Children’s. Her official profile identifies her as lead of the hospital’s retinopathy of prematurity program and lists interests that include pediatric glaucoma, anterior segment disorders, retinoblastoma, uveitis and strabismus.
A dedicated children’s hospital can be helpful when an eye condition intersects with neonatal, oncology, genetic or other pediatric care. Dr. Bolton’s page lists downtown Chicago and Schaumburg locations and languages including English, Portuguese and Spanish. Families should confirm which site handles the specific condition and whether a referral is required.
Who is Benjamin Mathew, MD?
Benjamin Mathew, MD, is a general pediatric ophthalmologist at UI Health and an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology. His official profile lists pediatric cataract, blocked tear duct and retinopathy of prematurity among his services, along with board certification in ophthalmology.
His listed clinic is in UI Health’s Specialty Care Building in Chicago’s Illinois Medical District. This can be a practical option for families seeking broad pediatric ophthalmology within an academic system. Ask the scheduling team whether the child’s diagnosis belongs with general pediatric ophthalmology or a narrower subspecialty.
Who is Mehmet Cem Mocan, MD, MPH?
Mehmet Cem Mocan, MD, MPH, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist at UI Health. His university profile says his practice is devoted to medical and surgical care for infants, children and adolescents, with clinical interests in pediatric cataracts, congenital glaucoma and strabismus.
The same profile reports more than 20 years of clinical experience and research interests in anterior segment disorders, amblyopia and strabismus. Those details may make him worth considering for a child whose diagnosis falls within those areas. They do not replace an individual consultation or guarantee that a particular procedure is appropriate.
What should parents compare before booking?
Parents should compare the doctor’s condition-specific experience, care setting, travel burden, insurance participation and appointment pathway. A respected specialist can still be the wrong fit if the office does not treat the child’s diagnosis, does not see that age group or is outside the family’s plan. Call before sending records or arranging travel.
- Clinical match: Ask how often the physician evaluates the specific diagnosis.
- Care setting: Decide whether community access or a children’s hospital team matters more.
- Age and urgency: State the child’s age and symptoms when requesting the visit.
- Insurance: Verify the physician, facility and any testing separately.
- Records: Ask whether screening results, prior notes or images should arrive before the appointment.
- Location: Confirm the exact clinic because several doctors practice at multiple sites.
When should a child see a pediatric ophthalmologist?
A pediatric ophthalmologist is a physician trained to diagnose and treat eye disease in children, including conditions that may need surgery. Families commonly seek one after a failed vision screening, suspected eye misalignment, unequal vision, an abnormal pupil or a referral from a pediatrician or optometrist. Sudden symptoms or an injury may require urgent care instead of a routine appointment.
Family Eye Physicians describes care for strabismus, amblyopia and congenital eye conditions and explains that dilation may be part of a child’s examination. Parents near the southwest suburbs can request an Oak Lawn appointment; families closer to the city can use the Albany Park booking page. If symptoms are sudden, painful or related to trauma, call promptly and describe them rather than selecting a routine slot without guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best pediatric ophthalmologist in Chicago?
There is no single best doctor for every child. Mohammad Al-Khudari, Sarah Rodriguez, Elizabeth Bolton, Benjamin Mathew and Mehmet Cem Mocan each have documented pediatric eye-care roles. Match the physician’s published focus to the diagnosis, then verify insurance, location and availability.
What is the difference between a pediatric ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
A pediatric ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can diagnose eye disease and perform surgery. An optometrist provides eye examinations and manages many vision needs. The appropriate starting point depends on the child’s symptoms, screening results and referral advice.
Does my child need a referral?
Referral rules vary by insurance plan and health system. Call both the insurer and the physician’s office. Ask whether the specific doctor, facility and diagnostic testing are in network, since those may be billed separately.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring the insurance card, medication list, glasses, prior eye records and any school or pediatrician screening results. Ask the office in advance whether it wants images or records transferred electronically before the visit.
Will my child’s eyes be dilated?
Dilation is common in pediatric eye examinations because it helps the doctor examine the eye and measure focusing accurately. The examining office can explain what to expect, how long effects may last and whether the child should return to school afterward.
How can I book with Family Eye Physicians?
Use the practice’s online appointment request or call 708-636-9393. State that the visit is for a child, describe the concern and ask which office and physician are appropriate.
Sources
- Family Eye Physicians profile for Mohammad Al-Khudari, MD, accessed September 21, 2026
- UChicago Medicine profile for Sarah Hilkert Rodriguez, MD, MPH, accessed September 21, 2026
- Lurie Children’s profile for Elizabeth M. Bolton, MD, accessed September 21, 2026
- UI Health profile for Benjamin Mathew, MD, accessed September 21, 2026
- UIC profile for Mehmet Cem Mocan, MD, MPH, accessed September 21, 2026
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This article provides general information and does not replace advice from your eye care professional.