If your child struggles with everyday visual tasks - even with glasses or contact lenses - it might be more than a simple prescription problem. At Low Vision Of Arizona, we specialize in helping kids with vision loss thrive again.
Low vision doesn’t mean blindness. But it can impact everything: learning, independence, friendships, and even confidence. For families in Gilbert, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley, understanding pediatric low vision and knowing where to turn can make all the difference.
This blog breaks down what low vision in children looks like, how it’s diagnosed, and what kinds of tools and strategies can help your child succeed.
What Is Pediatric Low Vision?
Pediatric low vision refers to significant visual impairment that cannot be corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. A child with low vision may still have some usable vision, but not enough to carry out daily activities with ease.
Causes of pediatric low vision may include:
- Congenital conditions like albinism, optic nerve hypoplasia, or retinitis pigmentosa.
- Eye diseases like juvenile macular degeneration or glaucoma.
- Brain-related vision loss (cortical visual impairment, or CVI).
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- Severe amblyopia that doesn’t respond to traditional treatments.
Sometimes, children are born with these conditions. Other times, it develops after illness or trauma. Either way, early diagnosis and intervention are key.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with Low Vision
Low vision isn’t always obvious, especially in children who adapt by relying on memory or touch. Here are some common red flags:
At home:
- Holding books or tablets very close to the face
- Sitting inches from the TV
- Bumping into furniture or people in familiar environments
- Trouble recognizing faces unless very close
At school:
- Difficulty reading standard print
- Slow writing or copying from the board
- Frequent eye rubbing or complaints of tired eyes
- Avoidance of visually demanding tasks (reading, puzzles, games)
Social behavior:
- Withdrawn behavior or low confidence in group settings
- Anxiety in unfamiliar places (due to poor visual navigation)
- Reluctance to try new activities (sports, biking, arts)
If your child shows more than one of these behaviors, and an eye doctor has already said glasses “can’t help”, don’t stop there. Low vision care is a specialized field, and we’re here to help you explore what’s still possible.
How Pediatric Low Vision Is Diagnosed
Standard eye exams often miss low vision because they’re designed to identify refractive errors - nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. At Low Vision Of Arizona, we go several steps further.
Our low vision evaluations are longer, more detailed, and tailored to your child’s unique needs. We don’t just test how clearly they can see—we evaluate how they use their vision for reading, recognizing faces, moving through space, and interacting with the world around them.
We also review school accommodations, IEP or 504 plans (if applicable), and communication with teachers or specialists. Whether your child attends Gilbert Public Schools, a local charter program, or is homeschooled, we ensure their vision plan supports academic success.
Tools That Help Kids Thrive with Low Vision
Children with low vision often benefit from more than just magnifiers. Our eye doctor help families find custom low vision devices and teach kids how to use them effectively. Devices we may recommend:
- Telescopic glasses: Help with distance vision for seeing the whiteboard, watching TV, or spotting friends on the playground.
- Microscopic lenses: Useful for reading, writing, or detailed near tasks.
- Electronic magnifiers (CCTVs): Allow adjustable contrast and zoom for homework or drawing.
- Lighting aids and filters: Reduce glare and improve contrast.
- Adaptive technology: Screen readers or text-to-speech tools for schoolwork.
Every child’s needs are different. That’s why we don’t just hand out devices—we take time to match the right tools to your child’s daily life.
Why Localized Care Matters
Families in the Gilbertand East Valley areas have access to many resources, but very few practices offer dedicated pediatric low vision care. That’s where we stand apart.
Located near Riparian Preserve, Freestone District Park, and the GilbertHeritage District, our office is easily accessible to families from Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, and beyond. We’re part of the same community you are, and we understand the importance of helping your child see clearly at school, at church, and even during a Saturday baseball game at Cactus Yards.
Low Vision Care for Children in Gilbert, AZ
We’ve worked with children of all ages and backgrounds, from toddlers just starting to explore the world to teens preparing for college. Our goal is to help your child build confidence, independence, and a sense of possibility, no matter their diagnosis.
If your family has been told “there’s nothing more that can be done,” know that there often is.
Request a low vision evaluation for your child. Let’s work together to help them see the world and their future with clarity and hope.