How to pick a kids eye doctor?
When you need to see an ophthalmologist, the first thing you should do is Google some nearby clinics and ask for recommendations. If you have a choice between going to a pediatric ophthalmologist or an adult one, however, then there are some key differences that will help guide your decision. If you’d like to learn more about Kids eye doctor Bloomington MN, contact Insight Vision Care today.
How to pick a kids eye doctor
When you begin your search for a pediatric eye doctor, you may have some concerns about what qualifications they should have. Here are some quick tips; make sure your local eye doctor can check all of these boxes before visiting!
- Find out if the kids eye doctor is board certified.
- Find out if the kids eye doctor has experience treating kids.
- Find out if the kids eye doctor has experience treating kids with specific conditions.
- Find out if the kids eye doctor has a good reputation in the community.
What Is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?
A pediatric ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions in children. To become an ophthalmologist, you need to complete four years of medical school followed by at least three years of residency training. After completing these requirements, you can choose to go on to specialize in pediatric ophthalmology.
Pediatric ophthalmologists are trained to examine newborns with congenital cataracts, diagnose and treat children with retinoblastoma (a form of cancer), perform laser therapy on young patients who have lazy eye or amblyopia (a condition where one eye does not develop properly), prescribe glasses for kids who need them, manage other common problems affecting children’s vision such as strabismus (misalignment) or crossed eyes, and much more.
Does it matter if they are a pediatric eye doctor or not?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in medical and surgical diseases of the eyes. Any of these doctors can address eye conditions, whether they are a pediatric specialist or not. An optometrist is an eye care professional who studies vision and eye health as it relates to human behavior, visual performance and society.
A pediatric optometrist specializes in treating children’s vision problems such as lazy eyes, crossed eyes, nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, colorblindness and more. They can address all the same problems a normal ophthalmologist can, but have extra skills relating specifically to children that your standard eye doctor does not have.
How do I find the right Pediatric eye doctor for my child?
Depending on your child’s age, you may want to seek out a pediatric ophthalmologist. This type of doctor is trained specifically in dealing with vision problems of children and teens. They’ll have had years of education and experience working with young patients, so they’re more likely to have an understanding of what your child needs.
A Board Certified Pediatric Ophthalmologist (BCPO) is even better because this means that the person has passed an exam administered by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). The exams are difficult, so passing them shows that the doctor is well-versed in pediatric vision care. You can look up BCPOs online through the ABO website or ask your local optometrist if they can recommend one nearby; otherwise, ask around among parents at your local school or daycare center for recommendations as well.
Experience matters
One of the most important considerations when choosing an ophthalmologist for your child is experience. Pediatric eye care requires special training, as children grow and develop at a rapid rate. A pediatric ophthalmologist will be able to keep up with your child’s changing needs and can provide treatment that is tailored to his or her age.
What Can an eye doctor address?
The doctor may have some tests done to see if glasses are necessary to correct any refractive error issues, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Nearsightedness, or myopia, is when you can see things close up well but have trouble seeing things far away.
- Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is when you can see things far away well but have trouble seeing them up close.
- Other tests may be done to determine refractive error issues in children with lazy eye. These include measuring how your child’s eyes focus on a distant object (this is called the corneal light reflex) and examining their dilated pupils through an ophthalmoscope to check for eye muscle balance problems that could affect their vision.
Moving Forward
With the right eye doctor, your child will have excellent long-term vision and healthy eyes. The most important thing is to make sure that they are experienced pediatric ophthalmologists who treat children regularly (or at least once a year). In addition, it’s important that they have experience with all different types of eye problems so they can offer accurate diagnoses quickly and efficiently. Also make sure they are willing to answer any questions you may have about your child’s condition or treatment options available! At Insight Vision Care, we would be happy to help you and your family with all your vision needs. Whether it’s comprehensive eye exams, eye surgery, treatment plans, eyewear, or a different need, Insight Vision Care is always here to help.