[Selected aspects of pediatric ophthalmology for the non-pediatric ophthalmologist. Part 1: Basic knowledge and essential diagnostics to identify the need for specialized action].

In this article several important aspects of pediatric ophthalmology are reviewed. The aim is to alert the non-pediatric ophthalmologist to potentially dangerous omissions in the diagnosis of childhood eye diseases. The recapitulation of basic pediatric ophthalmologic concepts should allow physicians to identify situations and pediatric presentations for which referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist is advisable. Special emphasis is placed on the review of basic and simple diagnostic tests and on clinical warning signs that - if overlooked - can have severe negative consequences for the child. The CME article should help to ensure that fewer children with pathological ophthalmological or orthoptic findings are overlooked and underdiagnosed during their first visits to the ophthalmologist. In addition, the article hopefully will contribute to constructive cooperation among ophthalmologists of different subspecialties for the benefit of our youngest patients.