Clear vision and good eye health are very important to infants and children as they grow and learn about the world around them. Problems that interfere with vision during the first five years of life will prevent the normal development of brain areas responsible for vision. Later, common problems such as nearsightedness can make participation in school and sports activities very difficult! The American Optometric Association recommends that all children get eye exams at age 6 months, again at 3-5 years, and every two years during school-age, or sooner if problems are detected.
At UAB Pediatric Optometry Service, each child is evaluated individually, using age-appropriate testing techniques. Like our other services, visual exams performed are very complete and are reviewed for accuracy. The examination results will be explained completely to the parent (or guardian).
Special binocular vision services are available to make sure that your child uses his or her eyes together with comfort and efficiency. We can also provide vision therapy to children that suffer from several vision problems such as focusing problems, wandering eye problems, or lazy eye (to name a few).
The faculty for the Pediatric Optometry Service is nationally recognized as experts in pediatric vision. Many research projects that are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Eye Institute (NEI), and others, are conducted by the pediatric faculty. The faculty is also routinely requested to provide educational programs to eye health providers nationally and the world. The Pediatric Optometry Service also partners with several area providers for complete children’s health, such as UCP, Sparks, AIDB, and the Low Birth Weight Clinic.