Top 5 Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialists in Jordan 2026

When does a child need a pediatric ophthalmologist?

Pediatric ophthalmology deals with eye health and vision development in babies, children and teenagers. Common reasons for referral include refractive errors that may need glasses, a squint (strabismus, where the eyes do not point in the same direction), a lazy eye (amblyopia), a persistently watery or sticky eye from a blocked tear duct, a drooping eyelid, and less common conditions such as childhood cataract. Children rarely complain about poor vision because they assume everyone sees the way they do, so parents and teachers often notice the signs first.

Signs that are worth booking a routine assessment for:

• One eye turning in, out, up or down, all the time or only when tired
• Frequent squinting, closing one eye, or tilting or turning the head to look at things
• Sitting very close to the television or holding books and screens close to the face
• Repeated eye rubbing, frequent headaches with eye strain, or difficulty with reading and schoolwork
• A watery or sticky eye that keeps coming back
• A drooping eyelid, or a family history of squint, lazy eye or childhood eye conditions
• Babies born prematurely, if follow-up has been advised

Mainstream guidance stresses that amblyopia and squint respond better when they are found early in childhood, so it is sensible not to wait to see whether a persistent problem resolves by itself.

Warning signs that need urgent care

Seek same-day medical help, or call 911 in Jordan, if a child has:

• An eye injury, a blow to the eye, or something stuck in the eye
• A chemical splash: rinse the eye with plenty of clean running water while help is arranged
• Sudden loss or blurring of vision, or sudden double vision
• A red, very painful eye, especially with sensitivity to light
• Swelling and redness around the eye with fever, or difficulty opening the eye
• A new squint together with headache, vomiting, drowsiness or unusual behaviour

A white or unusual reflection in the pupil, sometimes seen in flash photographs, should be checked by an eye doctor promptly rather than at a routine appointment.

How to choose among the doctors here

All five profiles name pediatric ophthalmology as a sub-specialty, but their published services differ. Match the doctor to your child's concern:

• Squint correction and surgery: listed on the profiles of Dr. Maher Nabih Nofal, Dr. Mohammad Akram Hawari, Dr. Mais Khaled Al Jbour and Dr. Saif Al Rawashdeh.
• Eyelid and orbital concerns: Dr. Nofal lists eyelid and orbital surgery, and Dr. Al Jbour lists oculoplastic assessment.
• Watery eyes and tear-drainage problems: Dr. Al Jbour lists tear-drainage care.
• Cornea and cataract: Dr. Hawari lists corneal cross-linking, corneal transplantation and cataract surgery; cataract surgery is also listed by Dr. Al Jbour and Dr. Al Rawashdeh.
• Routine children's eye examinations and ongoing follow-up: Dr. Issa Jeris lists children's eye examinations alongside follow-up for keratoconus, glaucoma and diabetic retinal disease.

Location and hours matter too, because children often need several visits. Four of the doctors practise at the same centre in Amman, with confirmed hours from Saturday to Wednesday until 19:00 and on Thursday until 16:00, which can help with after-school appointments. The Fuheis clinic lists hours from Saturday to Thursday, 10:00–17:00.

If you are comparing the best pediatric ophthalmology specialists in Jordan for your family, remember that the order on this page reflects profile completeness, not skill or outcomes. When you call, ask how much of the doctor's practice involves children, whether the clinic has child-friendly vision charts, and whether an orthoptist or other team member takes part in squint and lazy-eye assessments.

What to expect at the first visit

A children's eye examination usually includes taking a history, checking vision in a way suited to the child's age (pictures, shapes or letters), assessing eye alignment and movement, and examining the front and back of the eyes. Many children are given eye drops that widen the pupils and relax focusing so the doctor can measure the need for glasses accurately. These drops take time to work and can leave vision blurred and the eyes sensitive to light for several hours, so plan for a longer visit and a quiet afternoon.

What to bring:

• Any current glasses and previous prescriptions or eye reports
• School screening results, if available
• A list of the child's medicines, allergies and other health conditions
• Details of birth history if the child was born early
• Photos or short videos showing an eye turning, or an unusual reflection in the pupil
• Sunglasses or a hat for after dilating drops, plus a snack, drink and small toy

Questions you might ask:

• What did the examination show, and does my child need glasses?
• Is there a squint or lazy eye, and what are the treatment options?
• How often should my child be reviewed?
• What should I watch for at home, and when should I come back sooner?

Insurance, fees and booking: what to ask before the appointment

Two profiles list insurers: Dr. Maher Nabih Nofal lists Arab Orient Insurance, and Dr. Issa Jeris lists United Insurance — NatHealth, The Islamic Insurance Company and Arab Orient Insurance. Insurance networks and policy terms change, so confirm directly with the clinic and your insurer before the visit.

Useful questions when booking:

• What is the consultation fee, and are eye drops, vision tests or scans charged separately?
• Does my policy cover children's eye examinations, glasses or surgery, and is prior approval needed?
• Is a follow-up visit included or charged as a new consultation?
• How long will the appointment take if dilating drops are used?
• Should the child come at a time of day when they are usually alert and rested?

Getting there

This is a kingdom-wide list for Jordan, and each profile states its own address. Dr. Maher Nabih Nofal, Dr. Mohammad Akram Hawari, Dr. Mais Khaled Al Jbour and Dr. Saif Al Rawashdeh are all listed at Jordan Eye Center on Mecca Street, Amman. Dr. Issa Jeris is listed at Issa Jeris Clinic in Fuheis, Balqa. Use the map location on each profile to plan your route. If your child will have dilating drops, keep in mind that they may be uncomfortable in bright light afterwards. An adult driver is fine, because the drops affect only the child.

Checklist before you book

• Note your child's main concern and when you first noticed it
• Check that the doctor's listed services match that concern
• Compare location and confirmed hours with school and work times
• Confirm the fee and any separate charges for tests
• Check insurance coverage and whether prior approval is needed
• Ask whether dilating drops will be used and how long the visit takes
• Gather glasses, previous reports, a medicines list and any photos
• Keep 911 in mind for eye injuries, chemical splashes or sudden vision loss