April 27, 2023

With the mission of improving lives by creating and delivering unsurpassed innovative care in a uniquely integrated and collaborative patient-focused environment, Mayo Clinic ophthalmologists — including pediatric ophthalmologists, neuro-ophthalmologists and others —have been working together for decades to diagnose and treat patients with retinal diseases.

Each year, Mayo Clinic ophthalmologists treat thousands of people for all types of retinal conditions. They have advanced diagnostic tools and offer the latest treatments in an effort to restore, preserve or improve vision — or to slow or stop diseases.

Utilizing the latest resources and technology available, Mayo Clinic has been building and refining an innovative pediatric retina surgery program. Brittni A. Scruggs, M.D., Ph.D., an ophthalmologist and board-certified adult and pediatric vitreoretinal surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has been leading the effort to focus on this patient need.

Dr. Scruggs explains, "The resources and breadth of knowledge we have available at Mayo Clinic has created a beautiful coordination of specialists required to treat our patients. It's truly been a coordinated effort in combining resources and unparalleled expertise to offer comprehensive pediatric retina care."

A consultation within the pediatric retina surgery program offers comprehensive, pediatric-focused evaluations, including lab testing, coordinated appointments with specialists and genetic counseling. The program's intrinsic connection to Mayo Clinic's robust research activities also provides the opportunity to connect patients with relevant clinical trials.

Leading experts from Mayo Clinic's pediatric retina surgery program have found success in coordinating with providers across the United States to ensure that patients receive the advanced diagnosis, treatment and clinical trial options for their complex conditions. "Our team has the privilege of utilizing our coordinated resources and streamlined processes to meet an unmet need in communities across the country," says Dr. Scruggs.

The pediatric retina surgery program is dedicated to enhancing future therapies through research. "Not only are we clinicians, but we are also scientists." Dr. Scruggs continues, "We are moving the medicine forward through several initiatives, including an inherited retina disease research program, and we are working to advance stem cell therapy for various retina degenerations."

For more information

Refer a patient to Mayo Clinic.