Pediatric Eye Care NYC | Pediatric Ophthalmology in Downtown Manhattan, NY

Pediatric eye care plays a vital role in safeguarding and supporting your child’s vision health from an early age. At Eye Physicians, conveniently located at 110 Lafayette Street, Suite 503, New York, NY 10013, we’re your go-to choice for a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist. Our experienced doctors provide comprehensive care designed to meet the unique needs of children. With a patient-centered approach and years of expertise, we are dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment for both you and your child.

    How Soon Should I Take My Child to a Pediatric Optometrist?

    Pediatric optometrists who combine exceptional clinical expertise with a compassionate approach ensure optimal eye health for your child. The first vision screening is done while your child is a newborn to evaluate blink and pupil response and to check for any signs of eye disease or genetic abnormalities. The care of your child’s eyes is an important part of their overall health. Vision screenings should be done regularly by an expert in kids eye care. A child should have another exam by a pediatric eye doctor at the age of six months, then again at three, and when they start school if they don’t have issues that need monitoring.

    Routine eye exams at a pediatric eye care center continue every two years unless there are any signs of vision problems. A child who needs glasses or contact lenses usually has an eye exam annually. If there’s a family history of any type of eye disorder, more frequent exams may be recommended. For comprehensive kids eye care in New York City, there’s no better choice than Eye Physicians in Manhattan.

    Pediatric Eye Doctor (Ophthalmologist & Optometrist)

    Finding a trusted pediatric eye doctor is a priority when it comes to your children’s vision health. Our experienced pediatric eye care specialists offer a comprehensive approach to treating and preventing eye disease in children. We utilize state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and correct vision and take a friendly approach to our young patients. Contact us and make sure your child’s eye health is in good hands with the best pediatric optometrist nearby.

    Pediatric Optometrist vs Pediatric Ophthalmologist

    About Pediatric Optometrists
    A pediatric optometrist is an eye doctor who has special training in diagnosing, preventing, and treating eye conditions that affect children’s vision. They may be able to recognize signs of eye problems that a child doesn’t know how to describe.

    Services that can be provided by a pediatric optometrist include:

    • Routine eye exams
    • Prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses
    • Treating injuries to the eye of a child
    • Diagnosing some disorders affecting vision
    • Prescribing eye drops or eye ointments if needed for pink eye or other eye infections

    A pediatric optometrist diagnoses a multitude of eye problems that may be found in children, such as:

    Since a pediatric optometrist has a practice geared to the care of children in a pediatric eye care center, the environment is usually set up to help a child feel more relaxed. There may be toys, games, and videos for kids in the waiting room while they wait to see the eye doctor.

    About Pediatric Ophthalmologists
    When medical problems are detected by a pediatric optometrist or pediatrician, a pediatric ophthalmologist may be needed.

    These eye care specialists have extensive training, including:

    • Medical School Graduation
    • Completion of a Medical or Surgical Internship
    • Three Years of Residency Training in Ophthalmology
    • At Least One Year of Fellowship Training in Kids Ophthalmology

    Besides performing comprehensive eye exams, a kids ophthalmologist can perform surgery on eyes when needed, such as stye removal or correcting blocked tear ducts, retinal problems, and crossed eyes. They can also treat eye injuries and provide any type of emergency eye care. They have the training needed to diagnose and treat eye problems caused by medical conditions such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.

    Understanding a Routine Exam with a Pediatric Optometrist in Downtown Manhattan

    It can be helpful for both children and parents to know what to expect from a routine pediatric eye exam. Visual acuity is tested to check for myopia control and farsightedness using an eye chart or symbols and pictures for young children who don’t yet know the alphabet.

    Other things evaluated in a pediatric eye exam include:

    • Peripheral vision
    • Color vision
    • Eye movement and tracking
    • Ability to focus
    • Depth perception
    • How well eyes work together
    • Eye pressure

    An eye doctor who specializes in the care of children has equipment specially designed for kids, and special techniques may be used to evaluate vision in babies and toddlers. A pediatric eye doctor examines the outside and inside of the eye and eyelid to see if there are any signs of eye diseases. Each eye is examined separately, and the eyes may be dilated to allow the doctor to see the structures inside the eye, which makes it easier to identify any signs of eye disease.

    Signs Your Child Needs a Kids Eye Doctor

    Children aren’t always aware they’re having a problem with their vision. A pediatrician or school nurse may let parents know that they suspect there could be a problem, or parents may notice certain behaviors that could be signs of a vision problem.

    Examples of problems that should be evaluated by a pediatric optometrist include:

    You may notice your child is easily fatigued after reading or reads very slowly, or your child may complain about not being able to see information that’s being presented in school. If your child frequently complains of headaches or has problems with coordination, it could be related to their vision. Reluctance to go to school or having a short attention span may also be related to visual difficulties.

    A kids eye doctor is a specialist who understands that children aren’t little adults, which means they may not be able to sit still or cooperate during an eye exam. This type of eye care professional is specially trained in treating children in a way that makes them feel comfortable and relaxed.

    Signs Your Child Needs a Pediatric Eye Doctor

    Treatments Provided

    Our best eye doctors are experts when it comes to diagnosing, treating, and managing eye problems in children. They not only provide specialized attention and assistance for examining your child’s eyes but also possess the expertise required for accurate diagnoses.

    Having extensive experience with various treatments commonly needed by younger patients, the team at Eye Physicians offers the following and more:

    • Topical ointments to treat eye infections
    • Therapies for blocked tear ducts or inflammation to alleviate symptoms and improve tear drainage
    • Prescribing medicines such as antivirals, antibiotics, and steroids in appropriate child doses
    • Writing prescriptions for glasses to correct refractive errors
    • Supplying and teaching how to use patches for specific conditions
    • Eye muscle surgery to correct misalignment
    • Surgical probes and irrigation
    • Pediatric cataract extraction

    The entire medical team at Eye Physicians is committed to giving your child the best eye care and the most comfortable experience possible. As kids specialists, they have a natural rapport with children. At the same time, they understand the nervousness parents may feel and are ready to answer any questions you have. Contact our kids eye doctor in Downtown Manhattan today to schedule an appointment.

    Page Updated on Jan 14, 2025 by Eye Physicians

    Eye Physicians
    110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
    New York, NY 10013
    (212) 292-4814

    Why Choose Eye Physicians?

    Entrust the care of your precious eyesight to highly skilled and experienced eye care professionals. For top-notch ophthalmologists and optometrists in Downtown Manhattan, choose Eye Physicians. Eye Physicians ensures prompt care, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans.

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