A Mom’s Guide to Finding the Right Pediatric Eye Doctor with New York Ophthalmology
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We all remember to schedule doctor appointments and dental check-ups for our kids. But staying on top of eye health can sometimes slip through the cracks—especially when you’re a busy mom. Although eye care may not seem like a high priority, regular exams are more important than you think. We all want our little ones to be happy and healthy. We should make sure they can see well, too! Brent recently got glasses (how cute does he look in his new shades?!), so I’ve had a bit of experience in choosing the right eye doctor. Here’s a quick guide to finding a pediatric ophthalmology practice in Jackson Heights, Manhattan, and beyond.
Most schools offer vision screenings for preschool and elementary school students. But these screenings are often very short and overlook a lot of potential vision problems. As the experts at New York Ophthalmology point out, “These screenings may overlook kids with ‘lazy eye’ or eyes that aren’t coordinated. They recommend children get annual eye exams with a qualified eye doctor to ensure that vision conditions are diagnosed and treated as early as possible.” It’s tempting to skip an eye exam if your kids haven’t complained about their eyes or their vision. But remember, vision changes usually happen very slowly. Children often don’t know they have a vision issue or eye condition because they’ve simply gotten used to it. Routine eye exams can keep you ahead of the curve and make sure your kids are developing safely and healthily.
Your child’s school or pediatrician can usually recommend a pediatric eye doctor. Thanks to the internet, though, an eye doctor is only a quick Google search away. Be on the lookout for a doctor who is a member of a professional organization such as the American Academy of Optometry. Browse their website and make sure they specialize in pediatric eye services and have a lot of experience with children. It takes a special someone to work well with kids. An eye doctor with a pediatric specialty will have the skills to diagnose any issues and the approach to make your child feel relaxed and comfortable.
Kids with healthy eyes can see better at school, perform better in the classroom, and feel more comfortable while exercising or playing sports. The American Academy of Optometry has some advice for how often parents should take their kids in for eye exams.
Schedule the first exam for your baby at around 6 months old
Bring in preschool-age children at around 3 years old
Between 6 to 18 years old, schedule a check-up every 2 years
If you’re an adult between the ages of 18 to 60, don’t forget to schedule a yearly appointment for yourself, too!
If you’re in the greater New York area and looking for an eye doctor, consider the fantastic team at New York Ophthalmology. They offer pediatric eye services in the Bronx, Jamaica, and Jackson Heights, and they’re also opening a new branch in Washington Heights early this year!
No parent is perfect, but we can always do our best to make sure our kids are happy, healthy, and given every chance to succeed. Finding the right eye doctor for your little ones ensures they’ll be bright-eyed for years to come.
*This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and comments are my own.