Special Needs Eye Exams
We Prioritize Accessibility
At Bellaire Family Eye Care, we are committed to ensuring that our services are accessible to all individuals, including those with special needs. We understand the importance of providing a welcoming and accommodating environment for everyone who comes through our doors.
Our office is designed with accessibility in mind. We have:
- accessible parking and ramps
- wheelchair-accessible entrances and facilities
- elevators
- ample space to accommodate mobility devices
- flexible scheduling
- compassionate, experienced staff trained to accommodate all types of special needs, including autism, ADHD, MS, and so much more
Accessibility – It Goes Beyond Wheelchair Ramps
At Bellaire Family Eye Care, we understand that accessibility is so much more than a ramp at the entrance. It’s not a box you check and then move on from.
Accessibility is not optional – it’s a fundamental aspect of providing quality care to all individuals.
While physical accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps, is important, we understand that true accessibility goes far beyond that. We recognize that there is a wide spectrum of disabilities, each with its own set of challenges and needs. Furthermore, each person is unique! This is why we are committed to ensuring that our services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Autism
Bellaire Family Eye Care is an autism-friendly eye clinic. Our entire team is trained to provide compassionate, personalized care to ensure that our autistic patients feel comfortable and supported during their visit.
- Flexible, Clear Communication
We recognize that communication can also be a key factor in providing effective care for autistic patients. Our team is trained to communicate clearly and directly, using simple language and visual aids when necessary. We take the time to listen to our patients and their caregivers, ensuring that we understand their needs and preferences.
- Non-Verbal Communication
We understand that some individuals with autism may be non-verbal, and that’s okay! Our team is experienced in working with non-verbal patients and uses alternative communication methods to ensure that everyone can fully participate in their vision care.
We understand that every person with autism is unique, and we customize our approach to meet individual needs. If you or your loved one has autism and requires eye care, please inform us when scheduling your appointment. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support and accommodations for a positive experience at Bellaire Family Eye Care.
Sensory Issues
Struggling with sensory issues? You’re not alone! In fact, 1 in 20 people have sensory processing issues.
You deserve exceptional vision care, too!
- Sensory-Friendly Waiting Room
We constantly strive to ensure a sensory-friendly environment for our patients. Our beautiful office is designed to minimize sensory triggers, with a focus on reducing noise and distractions.
- Calm, Quiet Environment
Prefer peace and quiet? Our office is calm and serene, so you can sit back and relax while waiting for your appointment.
Prefer some background noise? Sit close to our entertainment zone, where you can find our favorite movies playing throughout the day at a manageable volume.
- Tons of Comfortable Seating with Different Lighting Options
We offer multiple, comfortable seating areas, where you can either enjoy natural light or get away from the windows, whichever you prefer. With all of our seating, feel free to stretch out to be more comfortable if you’d like!
- Scent-Free Environment
We do not burn candles or incense, and we instruct our team to avoid wearing heavy perfumes or colognes.
These small but significant changes help create a more comfortable and welcoming space for everyone who enters our sensory-friendly eye clinic.
Our office is sensory-friendly and offers a comfortable, entertaining waiting experience for all.
Hearing-Impaired/Deaf/Blind Patients
At Bellaire Family Eye Care, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for all patients, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. We want every patient to receive the care they deserve.
- ASL-Proficient Staff
For deaf patients, we offer sign language interpretation services. Our team includes staff members who are proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) and can communicate effectively with patients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Accessible, Written Communication
Additionally, we provide written materials and instructions in accessible formats – including braille – for those who may prefer written communication.
- Navigation Assistance and Clear, Verbal Descriptions
For blind patients, we offer assistance in navigating our office and completing necessary paperwork. Our team is trained to provide verbal descriptions of visual information and to guide patients through their visit using verbal cues and descriptions.
- Accessible Technology
We’re proud to offer accessible technology, such as screen readers or magnification software, on clinic computers to assist blind patients in completing paperwork or accessing information online.
- Service-Animal Friendly
At Bellaire Family Eye Care, your seeing-eye dog or service animal is welcome here! We welcome service animals into our clinic to ensure that all patients have equal access to our services. Our staff is trained to accommodate service animals and their handlers, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
ADHD/ADD
Your comfort matters. That’s why we’ve created a welcoming, relaxing waiting room designed to make your visit as pleasant as possible.
- Ample, Comfortable Seating
Our ADHD-friendly waiting room features ample seating, ensuring that you can relax in comfort while you wait. Feel free to stretch out – there’s plenty of room!
- Complimentary Drinks and Snacks
Help yourself to complimentary drinks and snacks, available to make your visit more enjoyable.
- Accepting Environment
We understand the importance of sensory needs and encourage stimming, as we recognize its value in promoting comfort and relaxation.
For our younger patients, we have a TV playing kids’ movies to keep them entertained. We understand that visiting the eye doctor can be anxiety-inducing for children, so we’ve created a space that is inviting and fun.
We believe that everyone deserves access to quality eye care.
Do you need assistance?
We want your experience at Bellaire Family Eye Care to be positive from start to finish.
While we’re here to assist you whenever you need, our aim is to create an environment where individuals with disabilities can navigate independently without feeling obligated to ask for help.
If you have special needs, concerns, or require specific accommodations, please let us know when scheduling your appointment so that we can ensure your visit is comfortable, easy, and stress-free.
At Bellaire Family Eye Care, we are committed to providing compassionate and inclusive care to all individuals. Schedule an appointment with us today and experience the difference firsthand.
