SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital Ophthalmology Center: A Global Pioneer in Pediatric Vision Health

 

Founded in 1867, Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital (SJD Barcelona) is a leading European and global institution in pediatric and maternal medicine. With more than 150 years of experience, it is recognized today as one of the top five children’s hospitals in Europe, welcoming thousands of patients with complex conditions from around the world each year.

 

The Pediatric Ophthalmology Department is not only a treatment unit but also a national and international reference center for the diagnosis and management of complex eye diseases in children. Holding eight “CSUR” accreditations from the Spanish Ministry of Health, it is designated as a national reference center for rare and complex pediatric eye conditions. With an average of more than 120 consultations per day and 4–5 surgeries daily, the department has unparalleled expertise, treating more children with eye problems than any other center in Spain.

 

Key Specialties and Subspecialized Services

This department takes a highly specialized approach, covering every area of ophthalmology. The team consists of 12 subspecialist pediatric ophthalmologists across 8 fields and 6 pediatric optometrists, forming one of the strongest expert teams worldwide.

 

Main subspecialties and focus areas include:

 

· Pediatric Retina and Vitreous: National reference for inherited retinal dystrophies and complex vitreoretinal surgeries in children. Advanced treatment protocols for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and retinoblastoma are offered.

· Congenital and Pediatric Glaucoma: National reference center providing medical, laser, and surgical treatments for disease control.

· Pediatric Corneal Transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty): One of the few centers in Europe successfully performing full corneal transplants in young children.

· Ocular Oncology: Diagnosis and treatment of intraocular and extraocular tumors such as retinoblastoma, using advanced techniques including intra‑arterial chemotherapy, laser therapy, and innovative virotherapy protocols.

· Complex Pediatric Cataracts: Specialized surgeries for congenital cataracts and intraocular lens implantation.

· Strabismus and Amblyopia: Precise evaluation with advanced video‑oculography (GazeLab) and treatments including orthoptic eye exercises, Botox, and surgery.

· Neuro‑ophthalmology and Psycho‑ophthalmology: Assessment and treatment of vision problems linked to neurological and psychological conditions.

 

Advanced Child‑Friendly Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologies

 

The center focuses on developing and applying non‑invasive technologies tailored to children’s physiology:

 

· GazeLab: An in‑house developed technology that digitally records and analyzes eye movements. Essential for precise strabismus surgery planning and diagnosing neurological eye movement disorders.

· RetCam2 Retinal Camera: A wide‑angle video camera enabling serial imaging of infant retinas, even in premature babies. Vital for diagnosing and monitoring ROP and retinoblastoma.

· Handheld Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Allows cross‑sectional imaging of eye structures without general anesthesia in many children.

· Advanced Laser and Surgical Equipment: Includes diode laser for ROP treatment, endoscopic laser for intraocular surgery, advanced surgical microscopes, and integrated phaco‑vitrectomy systems.

 

Research and Innovation: Shaping the Future of Medicine

 

The Pediatric Ophthalmology Department is at the heart of the hospital’s research institute (IRSJD) and leads international studies. In recent years, in collaboration with biotechnology company VCN Biosciences, it became the first center worldwide to successfully treat a child with retinoblastoma using oncolytic virotherapy — saving the child’s vision. Current research lines include gene therapies for retinal dystrophies, molecular classification of retinoblastoma subgroups, and development of virtual reality tools for vision assessment.

 

Distinguished Physicians and Expert Team

 

The quality of a medical center ultimately depends on the expertise and experience of its specialists. Notable figures in this department (as listed on the hospital’s official website) include:

 

· Dr. Maria Isabel Ayet Roger – Pediatric Ophthalmologist

· Dr. Jesús Díaz Cascajosa – Pediatric Ophthalmologist (active researcher in uveitis)

· Dr. Anna Llorca Cardeñosa – Pediatric Ophthalmologist (researcher in uveitis and retinal dystrophies)

· Dr. Jaume Català Mora – Pediatric Ophthalmologist and senior researcher in retinoblastoma and retinal dystrophies

· Dr. Elisa Carreras – Senior researcher in retinal dystrophies and gene therapies

 

International Patient Admission: A Transparent, Guided Process

 

SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital is fully structured to welcome international patients:

 

1. Initial Contact and Case Evaluation: Patients can contact the International Patients Office directly. A detailed summary of medical history, diagnostic reports (MRI, CT scans), and a physician’s letter are required.

2. Case Review and Treatment Plan: A dedicated case manager is assigned. Specialists review the case and provide a personalized treatment plan with cost estimates, usually in English.

3. Pre‑Travel Coordination: The hospital assists with visa invitation letters, flight and accommodation arrangements, and all travel preparations.

4. Admission and On‑Site Treatment: A multilingual team (Spanish, English, French, Arabic, Russian, Chinese) welcomes patients and supports them throughout medical and administrative processes. Private rooms allow 24‑hour parental presence.

5. Post‑Treatment Follow‑Up: After returning home, patients receive translated medical reports and can maintain remote follow‑up with local physicians in coordination with SJD specialists.

 

Contact Information

 

· Hospital Address: Passeig Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain

· Main Phone: +34 93 253 21 00 (7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM)

· International Patients Office (Private Care): +34 93 600 97 83 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

· Official Website: www.sjdhospitalbarcelona.org

· Ophthalmology Department Website: Ophthalmology | SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital

 

Choosing SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital for your child’s eye health means selecting the highest level of medical expertise, the most advanced child‑friendly technologies, and a fully supportive international environment. By combining science, innovation, and compassionate care, this center brings hope to families worldwide.