Dr. Faruk Örge
When families come to Akron Children’s Vision Center, they’re looking for more than just medical expertise. They want a doctor who understands just how much a child’s eyesight impacts every part of their life. That’s exactly what they’ll find in Dr. Faruk Örge, who joined Akron Children’s in July as director of the Vision Center and the Dr. Boomer and Jill Burnstine Endowed Chair in Pediatric Ophthalmology.
With nearly 30 years of experience caring for children’s vision, Dr. Örge is internationally recognized for his leadership in pediatric ophthalmology, research and education. Yet when asked what matters most to him, it’s not the awards or titles, but rather the hugs he receives from his young patients at the end of the day.
Dr. Örge on a mission trip in Colombia, South America.
A lifelong passion for helping kids see
Dr. Örge was born and raised in Türkiye (Turkey), where his father worked as a pediatric eye surgeon. Inspired by his father’s example, he followed in his footsteps studying medicine and eventually came to the U.S. for his residency and fellowship training at Indiana University.
Since then, he’s built his career around preventing childhood blindness, advancing surgical education and developing new technologies to improve children’s vision care. He’s published more than 150 papers, holds multiple patents and led innovations in telemedicine and surgical training that have influenced vision care worldwide.
Dr. Örge has published more than 150 papers, holds multiple patents and led innovations in telemedicine and surgical training that have influenced vision care worldwide.
Even with all these accomplishments, his focus remains firmly on his patients. “I want every patient to feel safe, heard and cared for,” he said. “My goal is to make sure families leave confident they’re receiving the very best care.”
Leading the future of eye care at Akron Children’s
As the Vision Center’s new leader, Dr. Örge plans to expand services and improve access to the center’s services to children across northeast Ohio and beyond. With offices in Akron and Boston Heights, he hopes to strengthen training for the next generation of specialists and continue advancing research in pediatric eye diseases.
Outside of work, Dr. Örge enjoys traveling, staying active and setting a goal to learn something new each year.
“There’s a tremendous need for pediatric eye care,” he said. “At Akron Children’s, our patients will always come first. Together, we’ll make sure every child has the chance to see their world more clearly.”
Outside of work, Dr. Örge enjoys traveling, staying active and setting a goal to learn something new each year. He and his wife have 2 daughters, ages 25 and 21, and a lively 13-year-old dog who often shares the house with their daughter’s two cats.
He’s most proud of his family — especially watching his daughters grow into strong, independent women — as well as the collaborative teams he’s helped build around the globe. “Collaboration has always been the key to solving big problems in pediatric eye care,” he said.
Dr. Örge is pictured here demonstrating a virtual reality platform he and his team built.
The joy of restoring sight
For Dr. Örge, the best part of his work will always be the children. “Just close your eyes and imagine a world without your sight,” he said. “As pediatric ophthalmologists, we have the privilege to change what could be a life trapped in darkness into one filled with clarity and light—one child at a time. That is a privilege.”
Families can schedule appointments with Dr. Örge at the Akron campus, as well as Boston Heights.
Learn more about our Vision Center.
