Strabismus surgery has a lower success rate than some other eye surgeries, but overall the success rate is still high. Of course it really depends on what type of strabismus your child has and if there is lazy eye which could be improved with glasses or patching, etc. It sounds like you should get a second opinion from another strabismus surgeon. Esotropia surgery is generally very successful, whereas oblique or "pattern deviations" can be a little trickier.
Sincerely
Timothy D. McGarity, M.D.
Thank you for your speedy response! My daughter was diagnosed with intermittent extropia. At the time she was tested it was 4:00...after school, and I knew she was tired! Her control was rated as poor since it took her quite a bit of effort to pull it back in once they manipulated it to go out. I hate the idea of jumping into surgery without ANY other option being explored first...which is what the specialist is saying!