New with a million questions

[Guest guest]

I am a foster mother and had a 3 month old baby placed with me 3 days

ago. His mother is mentally retarded and did little in the way of

exploring his eye problems, but he looks just like many of the kids

photos in the files. THe case worker told me he may be blind.

His eyelids will only open about 2 mm, and he looks like he is always

asleep. He is definetely NOT blind. He squints his eyes tight in

bright sunlight and when I cradle him he tips his head back to look

out of his little slits. His eyes openings are very short

horizontally.

I have to take him to a pediatrician next week. What type of

referral should I ask for? Genetisist, pediatric eye doctor, or what?

My feeling is he should have this corrected immediately so other

aspects of his development aren't delayed by his vision impairment.

How early is the first surgery usually done? I saw one file photo

where the girls eyelids were taped. Is this routinely done? Don't

the eyes dry out if you do this?

He is a sweet baby boy and I want to get him the best care possible

in whatever time he is with me.