Optometrists in Alabama

To meet the growing need for accessible eye care and the convenience of having both vision and dental in the same office, Advantage Dental+ practices are continuing to expand, including children's vision services in Alabama at eight of twelve locations throughout the state: Alexander City, Anniston, Athens, Boaz, Clanton, Dothan, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa.

Advantage Dental+ practices are dedicated to providing quality vision care in a patient-centered and value-based environment. With highly qualified staff committed to helping the families of Alabama, Advantage Dental+'s vision teams are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities they serve.

Advantage Dental+ vision services include:

Eye exams
Eyeglasses
Minor in-office procedures
Eyeglass repair

Healthy eyes and clear vision are key to your child's success in school and in life.

We accept most insurance including Alabama Medicaid and ALL Kids.

Why is it important for children to have eye exams?

A child with uncorrected vision or eye health problems may have difficulties with schoolwork, making new friends, or participating in sports. As a child progresses in school, the amount of time they spend reading and studying increases, which can put additional strain on the eyes.

For children ages 6 through 17, The American Optometric Association recommends a vision exam before first grade, and once a year, thereafter. Why? A doctor of optometry can also detect other serious health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers.

This is why professional eye care is so important for children.

Early detection and treatment of vision problems will ensure that your child sees well, is successful in school, and can achieve their highest potential.

How do I know if my child has a vision problem?

Watch for the following signs. One or more may mean that your child has a vision problem:

Eye squinting
Covering one eye with their hand
Sitting too close to the TV
Holding a book too close
Tilting their head to one side when looking at an object
Rubbing their eyes often
An eye turns inward or outward
Eyes are sensitive to bright light
Problems with eye-hand coordination during active play or while playing sports
The child avoids close-up or detailed activities such as coloring, puzzles, or lettering.

If you notice any of the above signs, it's important to make an appointment with a doctor for a vision screening.

What happens during a child's vision exam?

We are devoted to providing a caring and comfortable environment for children and their families.

Make an appointment for when your child has had plenty of rest. Allow approximately one hour for the exam. Talk with your child about the exam beforehand. Also, encourage him/her to ask questions.

The doctor will examine your child's eyes for common vision problems including:

Nearsightedness (myopia) Difficulty with distance vision.

Farsightedness (hyperopia) Difficulty with reading.

Astigmatism (oval shape to the cornea) Difficulty with both distance and near vision.

Lazy eye (amblyopia) The doctor will want to check your child for "lazy eye". Lazy eye is decreased vision in one or both eyes. One eye is often weaker than the other. The doctor may prescribe an eye patch to help strengthen the weaker eye.

Eye misalignment (strabismus) A child whose eyes are misaligned or crossed may have problems with muscle control in one or both eyes. Eye misalignment should be treated as early as possible so your child's vision and eye teaming skills can correctly develop.

Convergence insufficiency This type of vision problem occurs when the eyes are unable to maintain alignment when viewing near objects. Convergence insufficiency may cause eye discomfort or double vision when a child reads or studies.

General eye health The doctor will examine your child's eyelids for:

Infected eyelash follicles
Bumps or abnormalities
Eye swelling or discharge

The doctor will examine the parts of the eye including the iris, cornea, and lens for cloudiness or other irregularities. The eyes will be dilated to examine the health of the inside of the eyes (the vitreous and retina). The optometrist will also check for focusing problems such as poor depth perception, color blindness and more.