Children with Developmental Disability and Visual Impairment: What Information Can an Ophthalmologist Provide to Family and School

Abstract

Improved technology has increased survival of infants with serious medical conditions in the US, as well as worldwide, at a cost of significant developmental disability and sensory deficits in many children. This has created a public health challenge and is stressful to families who are the primary caretakers of children with complex medical problems resulting in disabilities. Children with comorbidities such as developmental disability and visual impairment have more difficulty than children with normal development. The pediatric ophthalmologist is an essential member of the multidisciplinary team caring for the child. The pediatric ophthalmologist can provide essential information and specific recommendations for medically necessary services, accommodations and interventions that can aid a child and family in reaching the child’s potential and relieve stress.