Top 5 Strabismus Specialists in Amman 2026

When do you need a strabismus specialist?

Strabismus, often called a squint, means the eyes do not point in the same direction. One eye may turn in, out, up or down. This can happen all the time or only now and then, for example when a child is tired or unwell.

In children, the brain can learn to ignore the image from the turned eye. This can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), which is why early assessment matters. In adults, a new squint can be linked to nerve, muscle, thyroid or other health conditions, and it often causes double vision. A long-standing adult squint can also be assessed, whether the concern is eye strain, double vision or appearance.

Book an eye assessment if you notice:

• a baby's eyes still looking misaligned beyond the first few months of life (brief wandering in very young babies can be normal)
• one eye that drifts, especially when your child is tired, ill or daydreaming
• frequent head tilting or turning, closing one eye in bright light, or sitting very close to screens
• a family history of squint or lazy eye, or a strong glasses prescription in the child
• double vision, eye strain or a visible eye turn in an adult

Urgent warning signs

Call 911 or go to an emergency department straight away if double vision or a new eye turn starts suddenly with any of these:

• a drooping eyelid
• a severe headache
• facial weakness or slurred speech
• numbness or weakness in an arm or leg
• a recent head injury

These can be signs of a stroke or another serious problem. Seek same-day medical review if a child's pupil looks white or unusual in person or in photos. The same applies if a squint appears suddenly with eye pain, swelling or general illness.

How to choose among the doctors here

All five doctors are ophthalmologists who list strabismus among their sub-specialties, and four of them work from the same eye centre. If you are searching for the best strabismus specialists in Amman, the right choice is usually the doctor whose services, hours and insurance fit the patient. Your own consultation should then confirm that fit. The order on this page reflects profile completeness, not skill or outcomes.

Practical points to compare:

• The patient's age. For a child, look for services such as children's eye examinations, vision tests for children and amblyopia treatment. Four profiles list paediatric ophthalmology as a sub-specialty. The fifth lists childhood strabismus care and amblyopia treatment among its services.
• The type of care you are asking about. Depending on the type of squint, care can include glasses, patching or other lazy-eye treatment, monitoring, or surgery on the eye muscles. Several profiles list strabismus surgery explicitly. Ask who handles follow-up visits.
• Other eye needs. If the patient also needs cataract, cornea, eyelid, glaucoma or diabetic eye care, the published service lists show where each doctor's broader practice lies.
• Qualifications. Each profile lists its board and college credentials. Read them on the profile and ask the clinic if anything is unclear.
• Practicalities. Compare confirmed hours, location and listed insurers. These matter for squint care because treatment often involves repeat visits over months or years.

What to expect at the first visit

A strabismus assessment usually takes longer than a routine eye check, so allow plenty of time. The doctor or an orthoptist will typically:

• check vision in each eye
• carry out a cover test
• assess how the eyes move together
• measure the size of the eye turn, often with prisms
• check whether glasses are needed

Eye drops are often used to relax focusing and widen the pupils. This lets the doctor measure the glasses prescription accurately and examine the back of the eye. The drops can blur vision and cause light sensitivity for several hours. Adults should not drive afterwards, so arrange a lift. Children may find sunglasses helpful.

What to bring:

• current glasses and any previous prescriptions
• earlier eye reports, letters or surgery notes
• photos or short videos showing the eye turn, which is especially useful if it comes and goes
• a list of medicines and medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes or neurological conditions
• for children: details of birth and development, plus a snack and a favourite toy
• your ID and insurance card

Questions worth asking:

• What type of squint is this, and is there any lazy eye?
• What are the options: glasses, patching, monitoring or surgery?
• How often will follow-up visits be needed?
• If surgery is suggested, what does it involve? What are the recovery time, the risks and the chance that more than one operation is needed?

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

Only one profile here lists an insurer: Arab Orient Insurance for Dr. Maher Nabih Nofal. Even then, confirm with both the clinic and your insurer that your specific policy is accepted.

Before booking, ask:

• What is the consultation fee, and does it include dilating drops and squint measurements?
• Are follow-up visits charged separately?
• Does my policy need pre-approval for tests or surgery?
• Is adult strabismus surgery covered the same way as children's treatment?
• Which payment methods are accepted?

Some profiles note that appointments at Jordan Eye Center are coordinated through the centre's team, according to the eye condition and doctor availability. When you call, mention the patient's age and the main concern so the booking fits the right doctor and allows enough time.

Getting there

Amman is home to around 5 million residents, and traffic at peak hours can add significant time to any trip. You may be coming from Jubeiha, Khalda, Tla' Al-Ali, Dabouq, Sweifieh, Shmeisani, Abdoun, the Gardens or the 7th Circle area. Check the map location on each profile and plan your route in advance.

If drops are likely to be used, plan for someone else to drive you home. Young children may be tired and light-sensitive after the visit. For emergencies, use 911 or the nearest emergency department, such as those at Jordan University Hospital, Al-Bashir Hospital or King Hussein Medical Center.

Checklist before you book

• Confirm the doctor sees the patient's age group and lists strabismus care
• Check the confirmed hours against school or work schedules
• Ask about the consultation fee and what it includes
• Confirm your insurer and whether pre-approval is needed
• Gather glasses, old reports and photos of the eye turn
• Arrange a driver in case eye drops are used
• Write down your questions about treatment options and follow-up
• Know the urgent warning signs and when to call 911