The Scheie Eye Institute welcomes Emily A. DeCarlo, MD, as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Dr. DeCarlo attended Haverford College, where she majored in economics, and then went to medical school at the Perelman School of Medicine. During her pediatric rotation, a patient with orbital cellulitis introduced her to the field of pediatric ophthalmology, and she was hooked! She shares with tangible enthusiasm, "Combining my love of caring for children, long-term relationships with families, improving eyesight, and still doing surgery made for the perfect field for me." She completed her residency at Wills Eye Institute and served as chief resident in her final year. Dr. DeCarlo's love for pediatrics never wavered, and she returned to the other side of the river for her fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology at CHOP.
After her training, Dr. DeCarlo joined a multi-specialty private practice in Bucks County, where she treated children and adults with strabismus for 12 years while raising her young family. While she loved her practice, she was thrilled for the opportunity to return to CHOP as a faculty member in 2022. "I am thrilled to practice alongside colleagues whom I learned so much from as a fellow," Dr. DeCarlo says. I love practicing at a children's hospital where every interaction is one hundred percent focused on the best care for each child. The collaboration with other specialties in the clinic and the OR is fantastic, and the support staff in all areas are incredible." She still sees adults with strabismus and performs surgery on these patients, enjoying the opportunity to continue this rewarding sub- specialty.
Dr. DeCarlo's new role as fellowship director will allow her to mentor and teach, and she is excited to provide future trainees with training and enthusiasm for this career. Outside of work, Dr. DeCarlo spends her time with her husband, three boys, dog, and friends. She loves playing board games, tennis, cooking, eating, cheering for the Buffalo Bills—and taking every opportunity to travel with her family.