Children with Special Needs

Children with special needs include those with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, visual or hearing impairments, emotional disturbances, Traumatic Brain Injury, Deaf-Blindness, and multiple disabilities.

Did you know that Neuro-Optometrists can perform a thorough eye examination even if an individual is nonverbal, has limited mobility, or experiences comprehension difficulties? With specialized tools, we can accurately evaluate refractive status and visual skills for nearly any individual.

The goal of the examination is to assess ocular health and determine the right strategies to maximize visual function. For example:

• Prisms can improve visual posture, helping individuals engage more effectively with their occupational therapist or provider. They may also increase awareness of the environment and improve task focus.

• Tints can help stabilize the autonomic nervous system, reducing sensitivity to light that may trigger seizures or cause discomfort.

• Specialized lenses and frames can provide visual guidance, reduce peripheral distractions, and support calmer, more effective functioning.

​​​​​​​Dr. Max currently manages the Vision Clinic at the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children and has over 20 years of experience working with this population. A central goal of treatment is to help children function more effectively—so they can better engage with the world and live fuller lives.

Vision Clinic at the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children​​​​​​​