Optometrists in Alabama
To meet the growing need for accessible eye care and the convenience of having both vision and dental in the same office, Advantage Dental+ practices are continuing to expand, including children's vision services in Alabama at seven of twelve locations throughout the state: Alexander City, Anniston, Athens, Boaz, Clanton, Dothan and Montgomery.
Advantage Dental+ practices are dedicated to providing quality vision care in a patient-centered and value-based environment. With highly qualified staff committed to helping the families of Alabama, Advantage Dental+'s vision teams are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities they serve.
Vision Services
Healthy eyes and clear vision are key to your child's success in school and in life. Advantage Dental+ provides a number of pediatric vision care options, including:
- Eye exams
- Eyeglasses
- Minor in-office procedures
- Eyeglass repair
We accept most insurance, including Alabama Medicaid and ALL Kids.
Why is it Important for Children to Have Eye Exams?
A child with uncorrected vision or eye health problems may have difficulties with schoolwork, making new friends, or participating in sports. As a child progresses in school, the amount of time they spend reading and studying increases, which can put additional strain on the eyes.
For children ages 6 through 17, The American Optometric Association recommends a vision exam before first grade, and once a year, thereafter. Why? A doctor of optometry can also detect other serious health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers. This is why professional eye care is so important for children.
Early detection and treatment of vision problems will ensure that your child sees well, is successful in school, and can achieve their highest potential.
How Do I Know if My Child Has a Vision Problem?
Watch for the following signs. One or more may mean that your child has a vision problem:
- Eye squinting
- Covering one eye with their hand
- Sitting too close to the TV
- Holding a book too close
- Tilting their head to one side when looking at an object
- Rubbing their eyes often
- An eye turns inward or outward
- Eyes are sensitive to bright light
- Problems with eye-hand coordination during active play or while playing sports
- The child avoids close-up or detailed activities such as coloring, puzzles, or lettering.
If you notice any of the above signs, it's important to make an appointment with a doctor for a vision screening.
What Happens During a Child's Vision Exam?
We are devoted to providing a caring and comfortable environment for children and their families.
Make an appointment for when your child has had plenty of rest. Allow approximately one hour for the exam. Talk with your child about the exam beforehand. Also, encourage him/her to ask questions.
The doctor will examine your child's eyes for common vision problems, such as:
- Nearsightedness (myopia): difficulty with distance vision
- Farsightedness (hyperopia): difficulty with reading
- Astigmatism (oval shape to the cornea): difficulty with both distance and near vision
- Lazy eye (amblyopia): decreased vision in one or both eyes, often due to one eye being weaker than the other; the doctor may prescribe an eye patch to help strengthen the weaker eye
- Eye misalignment (strabismus): misaligned or crossed eyes may signal problems with muscle control in one or both eyes; eye misalignment should be treated as early as possible, so your child's vision and eye teaming skills can correctly develop
- Convergence insufficiency: the eyes are unable to maintain alignment when viewing near objects; convergence insufficiency may cause eye discomfort or double vision when a child reads or studies
- General eye health: the doctor may examine your child's eyelids for infected eyelash follicles, bumps or abnormalities, or eye swelling or discharge
The doctor will examine the parts of the eye including the iris, cornea, and lens for cloudiness or other irregularities. The eyes will be dilated to examine the health of the inside of the eyes (the vitreous and retina). The optometrist will also check for focusing problems such as poor depth perception, color blindness and more.
