Purpose: This study aimed to probe the psychological problems in the parents of children with strabismus. Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 220 parents of children with strabismus were enrolled. Demographic and clinical characteristics of strabismus children were collected and analyzed. The HADS and SAS/SDS were used to evaluate anxiety and depression in parents of children with strabismus. Results: There were significant differences in the rate of both anxiety and depression between HADS-A and SAS (21.82 vs. 12.73%, P = 0.012) and between HADS-D and SDS (16.82 vs. 31.82%, P<0.001). Additionally, the HADS-D score was positively correlated with strabismus deviation ( P= 0.018), parents’ educational level ( P = 0.001), and family habitation ( P = 0.034). SDS score presented less correlation with clinical features of children with strabismus, which illuminated that only SDS score was positively associated with educational level ( P = 0.040). No correlation between both HADS-A and SAS scores was found with patients’ clinical features. Meantime consumption of HADS was 2.54±1.45 minutes, which was shorter than that of SAS/SDS(7.25±4.13minutes)( P <0.001). Conclusion: Parents of children with strabismus who are experiencing psychosocial distress should be identified. HADS seems to be a better option for emotional assessment than SAS/SDS in parents of children with strabismus.