Eye Health & Vision Resources
Source from The Utah Children’s Care Coordination Network (UCCCN):
The eyes are our window to the world. We should take care of them.
Our children’s eyes are an important part of their health and development. In childhood, eyes grow and change quickly. So, catching problems early on can be crucial to keep their development on track. Here are a few things to remember –
- Watch for problems like misaligned eyes – these can be a sign of a serious eye condition.
- Keep young children away from cleaning products and sharp objects to prevent eye damage.
- Balance screen time with time outdoors or doing other activities. Too much screen time can cause dry eyes and eye strain.
- Nearsightedness can develop in children who spend long amounts of time doing “near-work” with their face too close to an object or screen. Teach them to spend less time close up and to move away from the object so their face is not so close, and to practice doing this.
- If you notice injuries or changes in your child’s eyes, schedule an eye exam.
Vision Screening –
Note: Basic vision screening is not for everyone.
For individuals with challenges like Autism, Intellectual Disability, mental health disorders, fear of doctors, behavior, and non-verbal speech disorder, screening should be done with a provider who knows how to work with the disabled population. This could mean using different tools in the office, or in some cases, it may require anesthesia to complete the exam. Generally, once you have the prescription, you can take it to most any optical provider to have the glasses made.
Sometimes, if the prescription is very complicated, the Physician will refer to a certain lab that they prefer to make the glasses.
The Medical Home Portal has several Utah vision screening service providers in the service directory https://ut.medicalhomeportal.org/services/category/298
Screening/frames/glasses locally –
Walmart Vision – very affordable frames (some under $15.00), yearly back-to-school sales
Target Optical – affordable frames, several 50% off promotions during the year, yearly back to school sales
Eyeglass World – kid’s eye exam and 2 pair of glasses – $89.00
Glasses USA – affordable frames, regular promotions and sales, clearance, 10-day contact lens trial for $1.00
America’s Best – 2 pair of kid’s glasses and free (same day) eye exam $79.95 / Contact lenses $14.99 per box
The Medical Home Portal has several service providers for glasses in the service directory https://ut.medicalhomeportal.org/search?q=glasses&facet=services
Internet Options for ordering glasses/contacts –
Warby Parker – affordable prices, sales and promotions, for each pair purchased, one is donated to a person in need.
Zenni Optical – “Get a complete pair of prescription glasses starting at $6.95” Affordable prices, buy now-pay later options
Jonas Paul https://jonaspauleyewear.com Specializes in kids and teen glasses and provides “7-day try-on kits” for kids and teens that are sent to the home. Glasses start at $55. This business was started by parents of a child with vision challenges.
Assistance Foundations –
(Assistance for free screening and glasses based on income)
Friends for Sight – https://www.friendsforsight.org/
Eye Care for Kids Foundation – https://eyecare4kids.org/
New Eyes – https://new-eyes.org/ — you can also donate your old glasses here and they will re-use the frames to make new glasses for people in need.
- Healthy U: 1-888-271-5870
- Molina Healthcare: 1-888-483- 0760
- SelectHealth Community Care: 1-855-442-3234
