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Robert A. Avery, DO, MSCE

Robert A. Avery, DO, MSCE

Robert A. Avery, DO, MSCE

Robert A. Avery, DO, MSCE, is a pediatric neuro-ophthalmologist in the Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Areas of expertise: Optic pathway gliomas, Pediatric optic nerve disorders, Pupil abnormalities, Ocular myasthenia gravis, Neurofibromatosis type 1, Pediatric pseudotumor cerebri, Elevated intracranial pressure, Optical coherence tomography, Unexplained vision loss, Pediatric neuro-ophthalmology

Locations: Main Building


215-590-2791

About Robert A. Avery, DO, MSCE

Robert A. Avery, DO, MSCE, is an attending physician in the Division of Ophthalmology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Avery completed his pediatrics training at the A.I. duPont Hospital for Children followed by both his pediatric neurology residency and neuro-ophthalmology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia/University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Avery also received his Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 2015, Dr. Avery was an attending pediatric neuro-ophthalmologist at Children’s National Medical Center and the Gilbert Family Neurofibromatosis Institute.

Dr. Avery’s research investigates methods for assessing the visual pathway of children with optic pathway gliomas and optic neuropathy. He is the principal investigator of an NIH/NEI sponsored grant using hand-held optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor tumor progression in children with optic pathway gliomas. He serves as a principal investigator for the multi-center international study of optic pathway gliomas secondary to Neurofibromatosis type 1, funded by the Children’s Tumor Foundation and Gilbert Family Neurofibromatosis Institute. 

Dr. Avery sees patients at CHOP’s main campus in Philadelphia.

Titles

Attending Physician

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Awards and Honors

2013, The Thomas and Susan Carlow Young Investigator Award, North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
2010, Best Abstract by a Fellow, North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
2010, Patient-Oriented Research Award, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
2009, National Institute of Health, Loan Repayment Program (Pediatric Research)
2008, Outstanding Junior Member Award, Child Neurology Society
2000, Student Fellowship Award, Education and Research Foundation of the Society of Nuclear Medicine
2000, Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Society

Leadership and Memberships

Memberships in Professional Organizations

North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
 

Editorial and Academic Positions

Editorial Positions
Peer Reviewer

American Journal of Ophthalmology
Archives of Disease in Childhood
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
British Journal of Ophthalmology
Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Clinical Ophthalmology
Current Eye Research
European Journal of Pediatrics
Headache
Hospital Practice
International Journal of Obesity
Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Journal of Child Neurology
Journal of Pediatrics
Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology
Medical Science Monitor
Neurology
Neuropediatrics
Neuropsychopharmacology
Ophthalmology
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
Pediatric Neurology
Seminars in Ophthalmology
Translational Vision Science and Technology

Editorial Board

Associate Editor, Neuropediatrics

Education & training

Graduate Degree

MSCE - University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
MA in Psychology - Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT

Medical Degree

DO - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Residency

Child Neurology - The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Pediatrics - Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE

Fellowship

Pediatric Neuro-Ophthalmology - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Child Neurology - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Publications

Publications

2017

de Blank PMK, Fisher MJ, Liu GT, Gutmann DH, Listernick R, Ferner RE, Avery RA. Optic pathway gliomas in neurofibromatosis type 1: an update: surveillance, treatment indications, and biomarkers of vision. J Neuroophthalmol. 2017;37(Suppl 1):S23-S32.

Aleman TS, Sandhu HS, Serrano LW, Traband A, Lau MK, Adamus G, Avery RA. Acute zonal cone photoreceptor outer segment loss. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2017;135(5):487-490.

Avery RA, Katowitz JA, Fisher MJ, Heidary G, Dombi E, Packer RJ, Widemann BC; OPPN Working Group. Orbital/periorbital plexiform neurofibromas in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: multidisciplinary recommendations for care. Ophthalmology. 2017;124(1):123-132.

2015

Avery RA, Cnaan A, Schuman JS, Trimboli-Heidler C, Chen C-L, Packer RJ, Ishikawa H. Longitudinal Change of Circumpapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Children with Optic Pathway Gliomas. American Journal of Ophthalmology 2015;160:944–952

Avery RA, Rajjoub RD, Trimboli-Heidler C, Waldman AT. Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography in Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience. Neuropediatrics 2015:46:88-97.

Akshintala S, Avery RA, Murnick J, Verdun N, Diab Y. Isolated midbrain ischemic infarct in association with hyperlipoproteinemia (a) - a report of two adolescent patients. Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology 2015;46:88-97.

Narula S, Liu GT, Avery RA, Banwell B, Waldman AT. Elevated Cerebrospinal Fluid Opening Pressure in a Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Cohort. Pediatric Neurology 2015;52:446-449.

Rajjoub RD, Trimboli-Heidler C, Packer RJ, Avery RA. Reproducibility of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Measures Using Eye Tracking in Children With Nonglaucomatous Optic Neuropathy. American Journal of Ophthalmology 2015;159:71–77.

2014

Avery RA, Cnaan A, Schuman JS, Chen C-L, Glaug NC, Packer RJ, Quinn GE, Ishikawa H. Intra- and Inter-visit Reproducibility of Ganglion Cell – Inner Plexiform Layer Measurements Using Handheld Optical Coherence Tomography in Children with Optic Pathway Gliomas. American Journal of Ophthalmology 2014;158:916-923.

Avery RA, Cnaan A, Schuman JS, Chen C-L, Glaug NC, Packer RJ, Quinn GE, Ishikawa H. Reproducibility of Circumpapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Measurements Using Hand-held Optical Coherence Tomography in Sedated Children with Optic Pathway Gliomas. American Journal of Ophthalmology 2014;158:780-787.

Avery RA. Interpretation of Lumbar Puncture Opening Pressure Measurements in Children. Journal of Neuro-ophthalmology 2014;34:284-287.

Avery RA. Reference Range of CSF Opening Pressure in Children: Historical Overview and Current Data. Neuropediatrics 2014;45:206-211.

Gu S, Glaug NC, Cnaan A, Packer RJ, Avery RA. Retinal Ganglion Cell Layer Thickness in Children with Vision Loss from Optic Pathway Gliomas. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2014;55:1402-1408.

Avery RA, Hwang EI, Ishikawa H, Acosta MT, Hutcheson KA, Santos D, Zand DJ, Kilburn LB, Rosenbaum KN, Rood BR, Schuman JS, Packer RJ. Hand-Held Optical Coherence Tomography During Sedation in Young Children with Optic Pathway Gliomas. JAMA Ophthalmology 2014;132:265-271.

Avery RA, Hardy KK. Vision Specific Quality of Life in Children with Optic Pathway Gliomas. Journal of Neuro Oncology 2014;116:341-347.

Avery RA, Hwang EI, Jakacki RI, Packer RJ. Marked Recovery of Vision in Children with Optic Pathway Gliomas Treated with Bevacizumab. JAMA Ophthalmology 2014;132:111-114.

2013

Waldman AT, Hiremath G, Avery RA, Conger A, Pineles SL, Loguidice MJ, Talman LS, Galetta KM, Shumski MJ, Wilson J, Ford E, Greenberg BM, Ellenberg J, Frohman EM, Balcer LJ, Calabresi PA. Monocular and binocular low-contrast letter visual acuity and optical coherence tomography in pediatric multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders 2013;3:326-334.

Fisher MJ, Avery RA, Allen JC, Ardern-Holmes SL, Bilaniuk LT, Ferner RE, Gutmann DH, Listernick R, Martin S, Ullrich NJ, Liu GT. Functional outcomes for neurofibromatosis type 1-associated optic pathway glioma clinical trials. Neurology 2013;18, suppl 1, S15-S24.

Binenbaum G, Rogers D, Forbes B, Levin A, Clark, S, Christian C, Liu G, Avery RA. Patterns of Retinal Hemorrhage Associated with Increased Intracranial Pressure in Children. Pediatrics 2013;132:e430-434.

Avery RA, Bouffet E, Packer RJ, Reginald A. Feasibility and Comparison of Visual Acuity Testing Methods in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and or Optic Pathway Gliomas. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2013;54:1034-1038.

Avery RA Dombi E, Hutcheson KA, Acosta MT, Baldwin AM, Madigan WP, Gillespie A, FitzGibbon EJ, Packer RJ, Widemann, BC. Visual Outcomes in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Orbitotemporal Plexiform Neurofibromas. American Journal of Ophthalmology 2013;155:1089-1094.

Books

Chapters
2012

Avery RA, Myseros JS, Packer RJ. Optic Pathway Gliomas. In Keating RT, Goodrich JT, Packer RJ, eds. Tumors of the Pediatric Central Nervous System. 2nd Eds. George Thieme Verlag; 2012.

Pineles S, Avery RA, Liu GT. Nystagmus and ocular oscillations in infancy and childhood. In: Wright KW, Strube YJ, eds. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2012.

2009

Avery RA. Headache. In: Shah SS (ed). Pediatric Practice: Infectious Diseases. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Publishing, 2009.

Patient experience rating

(based on 193 submissions)

  • Clear Explanation
    4.9 of 5
  • Showed Concern
    4.9 of 5
  • Included in decisions
    4.8 of 5
  • Would recommend
    4.9 of 5
  • Discussion of Proposed Treatment
    4.9 of 5
Learn about the patient experience rating system

Comments

  • Dr. Avery is absolutely incredible. He listened to our concerns and worked with us to think of ways to overcome them or at least work on them. He was so helpful and willing to write letters to our school. He went above and beyond. We can't thank him enough for how great he was and how well he explained things and his willingness to help.

    5 of 5
    Mar 14, 2024
  • Dr. Avery and his staff were excellent and very efficient. He answered all our questions very patently and satisfactorily. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking this kind of care

    5 of 5
    Mar 13, 2024
  • Dr Avery was so knowledgeable. He was kind and funny. He didn't rush us. He answered all of our questions. He took time to get to know my son. He listened and was generally interested in what he had to say. I was so impressed with how personable he was with us. I would recommend him to everyone that needs a specialist at chop.

    5 of 5
    Mar 13, 2024
  • Dr. Avery really took his time to speak with us. He made our daughter feel at ease. He explained everything he was doing and his recommendations.

    5 of 5
    Mar 02, 2024
  • Dr Avery was so thorough, listened to all our concerns and answered all our questions. He was so thoughtful and confident. I couldn't recommend him enough!

    5 of 5
    Jan 26, 2024
  • Dr Avery is excellent.

    5 of 5
    Jan 06, 2024
  • Dr. Avery was very thorough and explained everything very well. I could not be happier with my experience

    5 of 5
    Dec 06, 2023
  • Dr. Avery was phenomenal. He immediately put our mind at ease and was so thorough in explaining everything.

    5 of 5
    Dec 06, 2023
  • Excellent communication and encouragement with children. He thoroughly explained the diagnosis and answered all of our questions patiently. We never felt rushed.

    5 of 5
    Nov 18, 2023
  • Dr. Avery was amazing. He was very upbeat, professional, empathetic and we could really tell that he loved what he does taking care of children with NF in our daughter's case. We are so grateful for him!

    5 of 5
    Sep 27, 2023
  • Dr. Avery was so kind. He took time to explain things to us. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone.

    5 of 5
    Sep 02, 2023
  • Dr. Avery is a great doctor.

    5 of 5
    Aug 16, 2023
  • The Doctor was great

    5 of 5
    Jun 29, 2023
  • I appreciated the feedback I was given by the doctor and the doctors assistant that did the initial evaluation.

    4.8 of 5
    Jun 17, 2023
  • Dr Avery spent a lot of time speaking with us

    5 of 5
    May 31, 2023
  • Dr Avery has the best bedside manner of any doctor I have ever encountered. He is kind and understanding and willing to discuss my child's condition is a manner that we are able to understand our options

    5 of 5
    May 19, 2023
  • We had a great experience with Dr Avery! He was very reassuring and put me at ease. I was anxiois about this visit but his mannerisms and explanation made the visit so much easier as a first time mom.

    5 of 5
    May 01, 2023
  • Dr. Avery explained everything so well! And is wonderful with my daughter!

    5 of 5
    Mar 23, 2023
  • Honest and good conversation about my child and even when giving bad news told my child in a way that was calming and then reassured her that everything will be fine and to not let her future be effected by her illness

    5 of 5
    Mar 09, 2023
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About the Patient Experience Rating System

The Patient Experience Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown above from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score. We are committed to true transparency. However, to ensure the comments are fair and correctly attributed, we review each one before posting to the website. We exclude entire comments that disclose patient’s protected health information, are off-topic, or include other confidential or inappropriate content. Comments will appear on provider bios only if providers have a minimum number of comments. Comments are shared internally for education purposes to ensure that we are doing our very best for the patients and families for whom we are privileged to care. The comments are submitted by patients and families and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

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