Background and Path to Medicine

Dr. Danielle Ledoux was born just across the street from where she practices now. Ledoux grew up in the Boston area and earned her B.A. in Biology in Society at Cornell University. She attended medical school at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.

Path to Pediatric Ophthalmology

Ledoux completed her residency in the Department of Ophthalmology at New York University/Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital and says pediatric ophthalmology was the most fun she ever had during residency. She may have had doubts going into pediatrics due to misconceptions about pay and family dynamics, but her roommate convinced her with wise and simple words: “that when working peds, ‘it was the only time you were happy.’”

Ledoux then moved from New York City to South Carolina for her pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina Storm Eye Institute. The fellowship program at MUSC had an international focus, which took Ledoux to Guatemala twice in one year, and many years since. Strabismus surgery has continued to take her global to Nepal and El Salvador.

“There is an ability to kind of go into a country and make a big difference in people’s lives by straightening out their eyes.”

Practicing Pediatric Ophthalmology

Ledoux worked at Boston Children’s Hospital for 15 years, first as full-time then part-time while transitioning from academics to private practice in pursuit of a better work-life balance. Over time, the demands of commuting and balancing academic responsibilities and raising her children became overwhelming. As a result, she established her own practice on a hospital campus.

Ledoux has maintained strong relationships with local pediatricians and continues to collaborate closely with Boston Children’s where she worked for many years. When urgent cases arise—such as a child with suspected meningitis or a possible brain tumor—she can ensure they’re admitted right away. Her practice not only facilitates high-level care, but also provides local access for families who might otherwise struggle to reach major academic centers.

“It’s an opportunity to get them where they need to be as quickly as possible. I have been really happy being in private practice.”