Vision is one of the most important senses for children as they develop, which is why it’s important to establish healthy eye care practices when they’re young. The right pediatric optometrist can have a lasting impact on how your child cares for their eyes. However, it can be difficult to know where to begin when searching for one. There are several key qualities an optometrist should have to provide specialized care and help your child feel comfortable. 

3 Qualities of an Exceptional Pediatric Optometrist

1. Experience

It’s important to find an eye doctor who has extensive experience in pediatrics. Treating children is significantly different than adults, and they have specific needs. The pediatric optometrist should be extremely familiar with children’s eye care, as well as how to work with them as patients. This translates into how comfortable they are during visits.

2. Communication Skills

Education is one of the most important parts of vision care. It can be difficult to explain all of the intricacies to a child, which is why you need to find a pediatric optometrist who can break things down on a level they’ll understand. Whether it’s explaining how to protect their eyes, teaching them how to care for glasses, or educating them about vision issues, they should be able to lay everything out clearly.

3. Availability

Your child’s eyes go through significant phases of development. The ideal pediatric optometrist needs to be available to assist, especially if your child is wearing corrective lenses. They should be willing to invest time in their patients and provide emergency care should any injuries occur. This will ensure your child is covered in any situation.

If you need an optometrist to care for your child, Northern Lights Eye Care proudly serves residents of all ages throughout Anchorage, AK. Whether you need a pediatric optometrist, corrective lenses, or adult eye care services, they provide comprehensive treatment options to ensure patients achieve and maintain a healthy quality of vision. Call (907) 276-3937 today to schedule an eye exam, or visit their website to learn more about their practice.