WMCHealth and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Launch Dedicated Pediatric Ophthalmology Division

December 15, 2025
WMCHealth and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Launch Dedicated Pediatric Ophthalmology Division - desktop hero image

New division offers advanced, comprehensive pediatric eye care across the Hudson Valley 

VALHALLA, NY – December 15, 2025 – The Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) has officially launched a dedicated Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, expanding its Department of Ophthalmology. The creation of the new pediatric-focused division within the Department of Ophthalmology reinforces WMCHealth’s commitment to providing specialized, compassionate, and family-centered vision care for children across the Hudson Valley. Pediatric ophthalmology services will be provided at 40 Saw Mill River Rd. in Hawthorne, NY.

The newly launched Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology will provide comprehensive, advanced care for children, ranging from routine eye exams to the diagnosis and surgical treatment of the most complex pediatric ophthalmic conditions. Services are managed by a dedicated team of board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians, led by Majida Abdul Gaffar, MD, as the new Section Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology, alongside Melissa Suggs, MD, Attending Physician.

Majida Abdul Gaffar, MD, Section Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology
Majida Abdul Gaffar, MD,
Section Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology

“Our unwavering commitment to our patients drives every step we take, and our new Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology reflects that dedication,” said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth Network. “This division allows us to offer the latest in pediatric eye care and will be a welcome addition to our already well-established Department of Ophthalmology. We have the full resources of dynamic hospital network and a Level I trauma center at our disposal when treating a wide range of pediatric eye conditions.” “Children’s vision is essential to their development and learning, and early intervention is key to achieving the best outcomes,” said Dr. Gaffar. “Our collaborative, whole-child approach ensures every patient receives seamless care tailored to their unique needs.”

The Pediatric Ophthalmology Division specializes in a broad range of common and complex childhood eye disorders, including:

  • Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Advanced evaluation and management for premature infants at risk of vision loss.
  • Pediatric Strabismus: Comprehensive management of misaligned eyes, including surgical and non-surgical approaches.
  • Pediatric Cataracts: Specialized consultations and treatment.
  • Pediatric Eyelid Disorders: Evaluation and treatment of ptosis, eyelid colobomas and related conditions.
  • Pediatric Neuro-Ophthalmology: Assessment of genetic and neurological diseases affecting vision.

Pediatric ophthalmologists work closely with pediatric specialists in neurosurgery, endocrinology, genetics, plastic surgery, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) to address complex conditions where eye health intersects with overall systemic health. The service also features a specialized pediatric eye surgery center supported by skilled pediatric anesthesia providers, ensuring maximum safety and comfort for young patients. Appointments are now being scheduled at 40 Saw Mill River Road, Suite UL7, Hawthorne, NY 10532, conveniently located near Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Contact us at 914.493.8EYE (8393) or wmchealth.org/kidseyecare.

About Westchester Medical Center Health Network
The Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) is the pre-eminent provider of integrated health care in New York’s Hudson Valley region, serving nearly 2.5 million residents across more than 6,000 square miles. A 1,700-bed healthcare system headquartered in Valhalla, New York, including nine hospitals on seven campuses and 60 ambulatory care sites, WMCHealth is home to the region’s only Level I (adult and pediatric) trauma center and the only Academic Medical Center between New York City and Albany. The Network employs more than 13,000 people and has nearly 3,000 attending physicians – seeing nearly 300,000 unique patients every year, and is the State’s largest Medicaid provider north of New York City, serving 1 in 3 Medicaid patients in the region. WMCHealth also features Level II and Level III trauma centers, a nationally renowned pediatric hospital that is the region’s only acute care children’s hospital and leading pediatric hospital across the country, the region’s only Level IV NICU, the region’s only Organ Transplant Center, several community hospitals, and dozens of specialized institutes and centers. The Network also includes Comprehensive and Primary Stroke Centers, Burn Center, skilled nursing, and one of the largest mental health systems in New York State. For more information about WMCHealth, visit WMCHealth.org or follow WMCHealth on Facebook or Instagram.

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