Finding Expert Strabismus Surgeons for Adult Strabismus and Nystagmus
I cannot provide specific surgeon names or rankings, as the clinical guidelines and evidence provided do not contain this information.
What the Guidelines Tell Us About Provider Qualifications
The American Academy of Ophthalmology specifies that diagnosis and management of adult strabismus and nystagmus surgery require the training, clinical judgment, and experience of a pediatric ophthalmologist or strabismologist 1, 2.
Key Qualifications to Seek
When searching for an expert surgeon, the guidelines emphasize these critical competencies:
- Subspecialty training in strabismus (strabismologist) or pediatric ophthalmology with adult strabismus expertise 1
- Experience with complex adult cases, as adult strabismus is often more challenging than pediatric cases due to scarring from previous surgery, restriction from trauma, or other complications 1
- Proficiency with adjustable suture techniques, which are frequently used in adult cases and particularly helpful for reoperations and unpredictable cases such as restrictive or paralytic strabismus 1, 2
- Experience managing nystagmus surgery, which may require complex multi-muscle procedures (up to 8 muscles in some cases) 3
How to Find Qualified Surgeons
Practical steps to identify expert surgeons in your area:
- Contact academic medical centers with ophthalmology residency programs, as they typically have fellowship-trained strabismus specialists 1
- Request referrals from comprehensive ophthalmologists to surgeons who specifically subspecialize in adult strabismus 4
- Verify the surgeon performs a high volume of adult strabismus cases, not just pediatric strabismus, as the surgical approach and outcomes differ significantly 1, 2
- Ask about experience with nystagmus surgery specifically, as this requires additional expertise beyond standard strabismus correction 3
Important Considerations
The guidelines emphasize that many adults with strabismus are under the misconception that nothing can be done or that treatment carries high risk, when in fact most adult patients can be successfully treated with approximately 80% achieving satisfactory alignment with one surgical procedure 4, 5. Do not accept dismissal of your condition as untreatable—seek consultation with a fellowship-trained strabismologist 4.