Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in News on September 18, 2026
Finding a pediatric eye specialist close to home has gotten harder for many Portland-area families, even though conditions like amblyopia and strabismus respond best when caught early. EyeHealth Northwest is addressing that gap with an expanded pediatric eye care team built to widen access to specialized ophthalmology and optometry services for children across the region.
Sasha Strul, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist, is leading the effort and joining the practice from the Minnesota Lions Children’s Eye Clinic. Dr. Strul brings eight years of subspecialty clinical experience, and her practice will focus exclusively on pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus.
Why the Timing Matters
Demand for pediatric eye specialists in the Portland metro area has outpaced the number of available providers, which can delay diagnosis for kids who need care most. Amblyopia, often called lazy eye, and strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes, are both far more treatable when identified during early childhood, while the visual system is still developing. A larger team means fewer families spending weeks or months waiting for a first evaluation.
A Fuller Pediatric Team Under One Roof
Dr. Strul isn’t arriving alone. She’ll lead a newly expanded pediatric group that also includes an orthoptist and an additional pediatric optometrist, giving the practice a broader set of diagnostic and treatment tools in one place. The orthoptist’s role centers on evaluating and managing complex eye alignment and binocular vision issues alongside Dr. Strul and the rest of the care team.
“We are excited to expand access to pediatric ophthalmic care in an area where these services are greatly needed,” said Charles Bock, MD, pediatric ophthalmologist at EyeHealth Northwest. “We look forward to caring for children and families in the community.”
Where to See the New Team
Dr. Strul will begin seeing patients at two locations: the Milwaukie office on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the Peterkort office on Thursdays and Fridays. That two-site schedule is meant to widen access across the region while the practice finishes plans for a stand-alone pediatric eye care clinic, expected to open in spring 2027. Once that clinic opens, the full pediatric team will work out of a single, child-focused space designed around the needs of young patients and their families.
What This Means for Families and Referring Providers
A routine pediatric eye exam can catch vision problems long before a child or parent notices anything is wrong, and the expanded team is built to move patients from referral to specialist quickly, whether the concern is a standard screening, ongoing strabismus management, or a more complex ophthalmic condition. Pediatric referrals can be faxed directly to the practice’s referral team at 503-557-4799, and families can call the scheduling line directly for general questions.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam
Children don’t always show obvious signs of a vision problem, which is part of what makes a larger pediatric team so valuable for families across the Portland area. Parents with a specific concern, or simply due for a checkup, can schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today, or call 503-344-5100 with any scheduling questions.
