Special needs eye care

We provide modified comprehensive eye exams for people of all ages with cognitive and/or physical disabilities.

People with certain special needs are more likely than the general population to have eye and vision problems. These can include higher optical prescriptions, problems with eye coordination or movement, and problems with visual processing. People with special needs may also have eye diseases or visual disorders that may be difficult to identify and may therefore go undiagnosed. Addressing the visual needs of people with special needs can improve quality of life and the ability to learn.

At the Waterloo Eye Institute, we offer comprehensive eye exams and a range of follow-up care for people of all ages with developmental or intellectual disabilities. We offer:

• Optometrists with expertise in looking after the eye health of people with special needs.
• Equipment and techniques adapted for people with developmental disabilities, including people who are non-verbal or who need low-stimulation environments.
• Equipment and techniques adapted for people with physical disabilities, including people who use wheelchairs or whose movements may be unpredictable.

If a comprehensive eye exam determines a need for more specialized care, we can refer patients within the Waterloo Eye Institute to specialized services such as:

• Binocular vision
• Vision therapy
• Low vision rehabilitation

If your child or adult dependant is a client of Surrey Place, please see our WEI at Surrey Place page.