Medical College of Pennsylvania Hospital
Hahnemann University Hospital
University of California San Diego & Naval Medical Center
Strabismus / eye misalignment / double vision in children and adults; Retinopathy of prematurity; Pediatric glaucoma, Nasolacrimal duct disorders; Congenital eye syndromes; Craniofacial syndromes; Systemic diseases affecting the eyes; Amblyopia
Anne Ratner Endowed Chair of Pediatric Ophthalmology
Co-DivisionChief Pediatric Ophthalmology / Strabismus Division
Educational Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology / Strabismus Division
Immediate President Medical Staff UC San Diego Health
Board Certification in Ophthalmology
Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Dr. Shira Robbins specializes in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Eye Re-Alignment. As a Professor at the UC San Diego Ratner Children’s Eye Center, she is dedicated to preserving sight in children and treating complex eye misalignment in adults. Dr. Robbins leads the Neonatal Ophthalmology Service and the Myopia Control Clinic, where she integrates cutting-edge research into clinical practice to shape the future of vision health.
Clinical Expertise:
With nearly 25 years of experience serving San Diego families, Dr.Robbins provides personalized, patient-centered care. Her clinical interestsinclude:
Academic & Professional Leadership:
A distinguished leader in her field, Dr. Robbins recently served as President of the Medical Staff for UC San Diego Health, representing over 2,000 physicians. Her commitment to advancing the field is evidenced by more than 120 scientific publications and significant research support from the NIH and private foundations. She is a frequent invited speaker at national and international conferences, recognized globally for her expertise in strabismus.
Education & Credentials:
Dr. Robbins earned her M.D. from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and completed her residency at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, where she served as Chief Resident. She completed her fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology at UC San Diego and the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. She is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Honors & Personal Life:
Dr. Robbins was honored with the Suzanne Verroneau Troutman Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation and the Women in Ophthalmology organization. She has also been named one of the "Best Doctors in America" and a local San Diego "Top Doc." Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Robbins is an avid tennis player and lives in San Diego with her husband and two daughters. She often reflects that while her career has provided her with professional expertise, raising her children into young adults has been her most humbling and proudest achievement—teaching her lessons in growth, resilience, and love that deeply enrich her approach to patient care.