The John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium (Baker Day)
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026.
Lecture: 8:00 – 9:30 am
Case Presentations: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Children’s Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien Blvd, Detroit, MI
For four decades, the John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium, affectionately known as “Baker Day,” has brought together pediatric ophthalmologists, orthoptists, fellows, residents, and orthoptist students from the Midwest United States and Canada. Held annually at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, this unique event fosters collaboration, shared expertise, and learning among professionals dedicated to pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus.
Morning Session: John D. Baker, MD Lectureship in Pediatric Ophthalmology
Lecturer: David Hunter, MD, PhD Lecture: Straightforward strabismus: When and how strabismus surgery can help orthophoric patients.
David G. Hunter, MD, PhD is Ophthalmologist-in-Chief and the Richard M. Robb Chair of Ophthalmology at Boston Children’s Hospital, President of the Children’s Hospital Ophthalmology Foundation, and Professor and Vice Chair of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Hunter’s clinical and research focus centers on amblyopia and strabismus. He is co-author of Learning Strabismus Surgery: A Case-Based Approach and Last-Minute Optics (3rd edition), and his widely viewed optics and refraction lectures are freely available online for trainees worldwide.
A past Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of AAPOS and past Vice President of ARVO, he currently serves as President of AAPOS. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Gold Fellow of ARVO, and Senior Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Case Presentations
Following the keynote lecture, the heart of Baker Day unfolds: a full day of in-depth case presentations and discussions. Attendees present challenging and rare cases, which are then explored collectively.
This interactive format fosters an engaging learning environment where even the most complex cases are examined through the collective expertise of the group.
A Tradition of Excellence and Collaboration
Baker Day was founded by Dr. John “Jack” Baker, a leader in pediatric ophthalmology and a passionate advocate for education.
“What makes Baker Day special for me is the informal atmosphere. We spend all day talking about complex cases, learning from each other, and discussing unique approaches.” – Dr. John D. Baker
Through this symposium, Dr. Baker’s legacy endures, creating a space where pediatric ophthalmologists, orthoptists, and trainees unite to improve care for children with challenging eye conditions, as well as adults with strabismus and diplopia. By fostering camaraderie and lifelong learning, Baker Day remains a cornerstone of pediatric ophthalmology education.
Who Should Attend?
- Pediatric Ophthalmologists
- Orthoptists
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellows
- Orthoptist Students
- Ophthalmology Residents
- Pediatric Residents
Orthoptists at Baker Day
Orthoptists have always been an integral part of the Baker Day tradition. In addition to attending the full day of lectures and case presentations, orthoptists and orthoptist students will participate in a dedicated lunch-hour breakout session focused on challenging clinical cases.
Difficult Problem Orthoptist Case Lunch Session
This closed discussion allows orthoptists to present and troubleshoot complex strabismus and motility cases with their peers in a collaborative setting. These sessions are known for:
- Engaging, real-world case sharing
- Practical pearls for clinical management
- Open discussion in a peer-led environment
Earn AOC Core Credit Hours
Baker Day is approved by the American Orthoptic Council (AOC) for 8 Core Continuing Education Credit Hours. This makes it a valuable educational opportunity for practicing orthoptists and those in training.
“It’s rare to find an event that brings orthoptists, residents, and attendings together for shared learning — Baker Day makes that possible.”
Join Us for Baker Day 2025!
📅 Save the Date – May 8, 2026
📍 Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit
📩 Register Now or Contact Us at info@cecmich.com
Baker Day is hosted by Children’s Eye Care at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and is supported by funding from The Children’s Foundation and Kresge Eye Institute.
