Eye Care Professionals Who May Work with Your Child

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Finding the right eye care professionals is crucial for your child’s vision health. Here are the key specialists you might work with: 

• Family Doctor: Often the first point of contact, they can refer you to eye care specialists. 

• Ophthalmologists: Medical doctors who diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform surgeries, and prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

• Optometrists: Eye care professionals who focus on vision correction, prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, and may provide low-vision devices. 

• Opticians: Specialists who fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions from ophthalmologists or optometrists. 

• Ocularists: Certified professionals who create and fit artificial eyes (prosthetic eyes) for children born without an eye or who have had an eye removed. 

• Low-Vision Specialists: Ophthalmologists or optometrists with additional training in low vision, helping children maximize their usable vision with specialized devices. 

• Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT): Professionals who conduct functional vision assessments and teach children how to use low-vision aids effectively. 

How Can I Get a Free InfantSEE Assessment for My Baby? 

Early detection of vision issues is essential for your child’s development. The InfantSEE® program provides comprehensive eye and vision assessments for infants aged 6 to 12 months at no cost, regardless of family income or insurance coverage. 

• Benefits: 
  • Identifies conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), and significant refractive errors. 
  • Ensures early intervention to support learning and development. 

• How to Schedule: 
  • Visit the InfantSEE® Find a Doctor tool to locate a participating optometrist near you. 
  • Contact your local InfantSEE® provider to schedule an assessment. 

What Does an Ophthalmologist Do for My Child? 

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye and vision care. 

• Education and Training
  • Completed college, four years of medical school, an internship, and residency. 

• Services Provided: 
  • Diagnoses and treats eye diseases.
  • Performs eye surgeries. 
  • Prescribes eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

• Specializations: 
  • Some ophthalmologists specialize in low vision to help maximize a child’s remaining vision.
  • Others may focus on specific eye conditions, such as retinal diseases. 

• Choosing the Right Ophthalmologist: 
  • Ensure they have experience working with children, especially those with multiple disabilities. 
  • Seek a pediatric ophthalmologist for specialized care if needed. 

How Can an Optometrist Support My Child’s Vision? 

Optometrists are eye care professionals who specialize in vision correction and eye health. 

• Education and Training: 
  • Completed college and three to four years of optometry school. 

• Services Provided: 
  • Prescribes eyeglasses or contact lenses. 
  • Provides low-vision devices like magnifiers, monoculars, or video magnifiers (CCTVs). 
  • May offer behavioral optometry, including visual training exercises. 

• Specializations: 
  • Some optometrists focus on low vision, helping children maximize their vision through specialized devices and techniques. 

• Choosing the Right Optometrist: 
  • Look for those experienced in working with children and knowledgeable about your child’s specific eye condition. 

What Is an Optician and How Can They Help? 

Opticians are specialists who fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions from ophthalmologists or optometrists. 

• Education and Training: 
  • Completed courses in optics and a two-year apprenticeship. 

• Services Provided: 
  • Grinds and fits lenses. 
  • It helps select frames that fit comfortably and suit your child’s needs. 

• Choosing the Right Optician: 
  • Ensure they can accommodate any special requirements your child may have, such as durable frames or specific lens types. 

Who Are Ocularists and When Do I Need One? 

Ocularists are certified professionals who create and fit artificial eyes (prosthetic eyes) for individuals who are blind or have lost an eye. 

• Education and Training: 
  • Trained and certified to develop prosthetic eyes. 

• Services Provided: 
  • Creates artificial eyes for children born without an eye (anophthalmia) or who have had an eye removed due to disease. 
  • Ensures proper socket growth and facial bone development. 
  • Provides cosmetic benefits. 

• When to Consult an Ocularist: 
  • If your child requires a prosthetic eye to support facial development and for cosmetic purposes. 

What Does a Low-Vision Specialist Do? 

A low-vision specialist is an ophthalmologist or optometrist with additional training in low vision care. 

• Services Provided: 
  • Conducts comprehensive eye exams focusing on maximizing usable vision. 
  • Prescribes low-vision aids for near, intermediate, and distance tasks. 
  • Recommends non-optical aids like reading stands or bold-lined paper. 

• Choosing the Right Specialist: 
  • Ensure they have experience with your child’s specific eye condition. 
  • Look for specialists who can provide personalized strategies to enhance your child’s vision. 

How Can a Certified Low-Vision Therapist Help My Child? 

Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT) work closely with ophthalmologists or optometrists to support children with visual impairments. 

• Education and Training: 
  • Completed an internship and passed an exam in low vision therapy. 

• Services Provided: 
  • Conducts Functional Vision Assessments (FVA) to determine how your child uses their vision in daily tasks. 
  • Teaches children to use low-vision aids and techniques to maximize their functional vision. 

• Choosing the Right Therapist: 
  • Ensure they have experience with children and understand the specific needs related to your child’s visual impairment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Care Professionals