Children don’t always know how to explain their vision problems, which can make low vision particularly difficult to detect. At Low Vision Solutions of Pennsylvania, we’re here to help families in Camp Hill understand what signs to look for and how we can help children with vision loss lead independent, confident lives.
Low vision doesn’t just affect older adults, it can impact kids, too. Whether from a genetic condition, injury, or an eye disease, low vision in children can affect how they learn, socialize, and navigate the world around them. At Low Vision Solutions of Pennsylvania, we often hear from parents who feel frustrated after being told that “nothing more can be done” for their child’s eyesight. Fortunately, that isn’t always true.
Dr. Terry Smith works with children and their families to explore how low vision aids, specialized glasses, and magnification tools can help children regain their confidence and participate fully in school, sports, and home life. With the right tools and training, many kids with low vision can still read, write, play, and even prepare for future independence.
What Causes Low Vision in Kids?
Low vision refers to permanent vision loss that glasses, contact lenses, or surgery can’t fully correct. In children, common causes include:
- Congenital eye conditions (like albinism or coloboma)
- Genetic disorders (such as retinitis pigmentosa or Leber congenital amaurosis)
- Pediatric glaucoma or cataracts
- Eye injuries
- Neurological damage affecting the optic nerve or brain
Each child’s case is unique. That’s why our approach is always individualized. We focus on what each child can do, and build from there.
How Low Vision Affects Learning and Social Development
Low vision can have a major impact on how a child functions in the classroom and interacts with others. It’s not uncommon for children with undiagnosed vision loss to struggle with reading, lag behind their peers academically, or avoid social situations where they can’t see well enough to participate. Even recess and sports can become overwhelming if a child can’t see the ball or recognize faces on the field.
Children might not realize their vision isn’t normal, they often assume that what they see is what everyone else sees. That’s why early intervention matters. The sooner a child begins using tools and techniques that help them function with low vision, the better their long-term outcomes will be.
At Low Vision Solutions of Pennsylvania, we’ve worked with children in Camp Hill and surrounding communities who were able to regain control over their daily lives with the right tools. We help parents understand their child’s vision condition and teach them how to support their child at home, in school, and beyond.
How We Help Kids with Low Vision in Pennsylvania
Dr. Terry Smith provides comprehensive low vision evaluations for children and teens. These exams go far beyond a regular eye chart test. During the visit, we evaluate your child’s usable vision and determine which low vision aids and devices can help maximize it. These may include:
- High-powered reading glasses
- Handheld or stand magnifiers
- Telescopic lenses for distance viewing
- Digital video magnifiers (CCTVs)
- Lighting and contrast tools for better visibility
We take the time to understand your child’s needs, whether that’s being able to see the board in class, read a book independently, or recognize their friends at recess.
Get Support at Low Vision Solutions of Pennsylvania in Camp Hill
We believe every child deserves a chance to see the world, and be seen for who they are. If your child has been diagnosed with low vision or struggles to see clearly even with glasses, we encourage you to reach out. You don’t have to accept “there’s nothing more we can do” as the final word.
Dr. Terry Smith and the team at Low Vision Solutions of Pennsylvania are ready to help. Call us to book your eye care appointment and find out how we help adults and children in Camp Hill live more confident, independent lives, no matter their level of vision.