Serena Xiaohong Wang, MD $$

Dr. Serena Wang has always been fascinated by the eyes, even as a young child. Growing up near a factory that employed blind workers, she always wondered why they couldn’t see and imagined what life must be like without sight.

“I decided to specialize in eyes after graduating from medical school,” says Dr. Wang. “Obviously, the eye is one of the most important sensory organs. Especially in children, whose visual systems are still developing, it is critical to promptly diagnose and treat certain eye diseases, such as congenital cataracts, to preserve visual function. When treating children with visually impairing eye diseases, ophthalmologists also need to consider long-term plans for their visual rehabilitation.”

Dr. Wang joined the team at Children’s Health℠ in 2006. She is also an associate professor of ophthalmology at the UT Southwestern Medical Center. She earned her medical degree at Kunming Medical College in China and completed her internship in anesthesia and residency in ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical School. She also completed fellowships in ophthalmology research, glaucoma research, cornea and external disease, and pediatric ophthalmology.

I decided to specialize in eyes after graduating from medical school.

Dr. Wang specializes in pediatric eye disease treatment and surgery, with a special interest in pediatric cataract and strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes. On any given day, Dr. Wang might perform cataract surgery for an infant or eye muscle surgery for a patient with strabismus; treat a post-operative cataract patient with a special contact lens; treat a toddler with amblyopia (lazy eye) with patching; or examine a child with arthritis to ensure that no inflammation exists inside the eye.

She is also engaged in pediatric cataract surgery clinical research and supervises pediatric ophthalmology clinical research by residents and fellows. She says there are many challenges facing the pediatric ophthalmology field, such as the need to better understand and treat amblyopia.

Dr. Wang treats children of every age, from birth through age 18, as well as adults who need surgery for strabismus. She says her patients inspire her every day.

“From a 1-year-old child starting to walk the day after strabismus surgery, to an 8-year-old child with perfect 20/20 vision after cataract surgery, to a child with developmental delays making his first eye contact with mom after exotropia surgery, it is absolutely amazing to see,” says Dr. Wang.

Outside of her practice, Dr. Wang enjoys working out, going to the movies, and spending time with her son. She  travels extensively and has visited many countries spanning five continents.