Comprehensive Eye Care (Pediatric) - NECO Center for Eye Care

Stock image child being examined by optometrist

Pediatric Eye Care

To schedule a Pediatrics appointment, please contact the Specialty Clinic at our Commonwealth office by calling (617) 398-8531. If you are being referred to NECO Center for Eye Care for examination, please have your doctor fax your records from a recent eye exam to (617) 396-8517.

Children have unique visual needs. We work with children to identify issues surrounding clearness of vision, refractive error, and satisfactory visual skills to promote success in school, sports, and life.

A pediatric examination begins with analyzing the basics, including acuity (clearness of vision), refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), binocular function (visual skills), and an assessment of eye health to help maximize a child’s potential in school, sports, and life.

Our team of doctors can evaluate your child’s capabilities in eye focusing, eye teaming, and eye tracking with the understanding that stress and fatigue can impact a child’s performance over the school day. If your child’s evaluation or performance suggests any issues in these areas, our doctors will complete comprehensive binocular vision testing through a series of assessments.

Since 80% of learning comes through a child’s visual system, we carefully consider symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, eye strain/fatigue, loss of place, and headaches.

Your child’s eye exam will conclude with a specific diagnosis, a detailed treatment plan, and a follow-up strategy. Through a comprehensive eye exam, our optometrists with pediatric training help our young patients maximize their potential in school, sports, and life.

What comprehensive eye care services does NECO Center for Eye Care offer for children?
We offer a wide range of comprehensive eye care services for children, including routine eye exams, vision screenings, treatment for common pediatric eye conditions, myopia management, binocular vision dysfunction management, vision therapy, and specialized care for children with special needs. We also provide eyeglass prescriptions and fittings, contact lens services, and management of eye injuries and infections.

Why are routine eye exams essential for children?
Routine eye exams are crucial for children because early detection of vision problems can prevent long-term visual impairments. Regular exams ensure that children’s eyes are developing correctly and that any issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or binocular vision dysfunctions, are identified and treated promptly. Good vision is essential for academic performance and overall development.

What is myopia management, and how does NECO Center for Eye Care address it?
Myopia management refers to strategies to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. We address myopia management through various methods, such as prescription glasses or contact lenses designed to control myopia progression, orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea, and the use of atropine eye drops. These interventions help reduce the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with more severe eye conditions later in life. You can learn more about our approach to myopia management.

What are binocular vision dysfunctions, and how does NECO Eye Care Center address them?
Binocular vision dysfunctions cause the eyes to have difficulty working together. They can affect eye teaming, eye focusing, eye tracking, alignment, and visual processing skills. Dysfunctions with these skills can lead to symptoms such as eye fatigue, headaches, double vision, difficulty processing information, difficulty reading, and reduced 3D vision. At the NECO Center for Eye Care, a comprehensive vision examination will screen for such dysfunctions. If any are indicated by testing, a full binocular vision workup may be completed. We will then be able to recommend any necessary treatment, such as corrective lenses, vision therapy, surgery, or accommodations for school work.

Can NECO Center for Eye Care provide care for children with special needs?
Yes, we offer specialized eye care services for children with special needs. Our optometrists are trained to handle the unique challenges and requirements of children with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, and other conditions that may affect the eyes or vision. The center provides a supportive and accommodating environment to ensure these children receive eye care.

What is vision therapy, and who can benefit from it?
Vision therapy is a customized program of eye exercises designed to improve visual skills and processing. It can benefit children with a variety of visual issues, such as lazy eye (amblyopia), eye turns (strabismus), eye movement disorders, focusing problems, and binocular vision dysfunctions (issues with how the eyes work together). Vision therapy helps enhance the brain-eye connection and can significantly improve visual function and comfort. Learn more about our vision services program.

How often should children have their eyes examined?
The frequency of eye exams for children depends on their age and whether they have any existing vision problems. Generally, it is recommended that children have their first eye exam at six months old, another at three years old, and then annually once they start school. Children with known vision issues or those at higher risk for eye problems may need more frequent exams.

Are the eye care services at NECO Center for Eye Care covered by insurance?
Many of our eye care services are covered by insurance. However, coverage can vary based on the specific insurance plan and the services provided. It’s advisable to check with our office and your insurance provider to understand what services are covered and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

How can I schedule an appointment for my child?
Scheduling an appointment for your child is easy. If you'd like to speak with a representative, we invite you to contact our office directly. We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy families.