Pediatric Ophthalmology

Young child having eyes examined

Ophthalmology addresses the physiology, anatomy and diseases of the eyes. Pediatric ophthalmology focuses on the eyes of children. Pediatric ophthalmologists examine children’s eyes to see if they need corrective lenses or other treatments to improve their vision.

Training for Pediatric Ophthalmologists

Pediatric ophthalmologists graduate from medical school just like other types of doctors, but they decide to specialize in children’s eye health. In addition to studying about the structure and disorders of the eyes, these specialists undergo additional training in examining children. They go to extra lengths to make sure that children feel safe and comfortable within the medical setting and with the sensitive proceedings of an eye exam.

Benefits

Vision develops neurologically until a child is about 12 years old. Early detection of problems can make them easier to solve during these crucial years of growth. For example, diagnosing and treating strabismus — commonly known as being cross-eyed — in a young child ensures she has the best chance of developing and maintaining good vision. Nearsighted children will do better in school once they have glasses. Pediatric ophthalmologists also address diseases elsewhere in the body that affect children’s eyes.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Visit

Expect your first visit to be longer than your average doctor’s appointment. Allow at least 90 minutes for a thorough exam. If the pediatric ophthalmologist orders special testing, the appointment could take even longer.

The doctor will ask about your child’s health history and any eye-related concerns you might have. Be sure to bring your insurance information and a list of any medications your child takes. Notify the doctor of any allergies.

Pediatric ophthalmologists have different ways of testing children’s eye health, depending on their ages. These may include looking at pictures and reading eye charts. The doctor will check each eye separately as well as both together, and test muscle function around the eyes. Expect the ophthalmologist to use an ophthalmoscope, an instrument that shines a powerful light into the eyes.

Your child’s eyes will probably be dilated with eye drops so the doctor can check how the pupils react to light, and to measure the eye’s focusing system. These drops can sting and cause blurry vision. Reassure your child that this is temporary, and necessary to let they doctor see inside his or her eyes.

Once testing is through, your pediatric ophthalmologist will recommend treatment, if needed. This could include exercises, glasses, medications or surgery.

Pediatricians and family doctors should check children’s vision as a routine part of an examination. If a doctor has referred your child to a pediatric ophthalmologist, call us today so we can optimize your child’s developing vision.

Contact us to request an appointment today.

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Testimonials

  • We love supporting our local businesses. Dave Nelson is such an asset to our community. He took the extra time needed to be completely thorough with some issues I was having. I love that he looked at my complete health before coming to a conclusion for my needs. We love the customer service from beginning to end. I put complete trust in Lee Ann to pick out some frame choices for me, listening to my wants and needs. She delivered and I am so excited to get them next week. Thank you so much!

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  • I was extremely pleased with the complete and thorough eye examination I received. Dr. Nelson took a great deal of time explaining his findings so that I understood them. He then laid out a plan for us to follow for the future of my eye health.

    - D.D.
  • I'm impressed with all of the technology. Great service. Thank you!

    - J.O
  • This was the best experience I have had with an eye doctor. I felt like Dr. Nelson actually listened to how my eye sight was affecting my daily routine and properly diagnose my vision correction needs.

    - A.K.
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Nelson for many years and he is absolutely amazing. I am grateful that he uses state-of-the-art tools to measure changes in my eye health. His advice is spot on for caring for my eyes and his prices make it affordable to do so. I highly recommend you schedule your next appointment here

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  • Exam and discussion of the results were excellent. Dr. Nelson is kind, considerate, and open to any discussion about your eyes. The pictures from the exam were amazing and Dr. Nelson explained everything that was going on with the exam and pictures. Frame and lens selection are outstanding as is the work of the staff in helping to pick out what I wanted. And those sunglasses...oh my...I love them! Great work Dr. Nelson and staff!

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  • This was the most thorough exam I've ever had and I've had many. Dr. Nelson understood my challenges and I felt confident in his care. Great experience. Thank you

    - L.F.
  • Efficient and courteous service with a sense of belonging to a family. I have had to wear prescription lenses for most of my life. Never, has anyone ever taken the time to explain what happens to our eyes as we age, why and HOW we see floaters (and with the latest technology used in Dr. Nelson's office - to show you these things and so much more.) and other retinal issues if they exist. The latest technology used in Dr. Nelson's office is non-invasive and amazing to literally see the inside of y

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  • I've seen Dr. Nelson for many years for my eye care before he opened the new practice in Cottage Grove. I appreciate how very thorough he is and how he takes the time to explain any changes in my vision etc. He and his staff are always very kind and friendly and they go the extra mile to help! I liked that Cottage Grove Eye Care was really easy to find...and I like the space and the fact that they have a large selection of cool frames. Would highly recommend it. Nice to have someone you can trus

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  • I went to Cottage Grove Eye Care for the first time last year and purchased both glasses and contacts. This is the first year that I have consistently worn both the glasses and contacts and didn't experience any issues with either. I always feel much educated about my eye health when I leave in a way that I never was at other eye clinics

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  • Friendly, professional, very thorough.

    - T.S.

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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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