Expanding Access to Pediatric Vision Care at Arlington Pediatric Center 

For a child who has always had blurry vision, it may be difficult to recognize that anything is wrong. That is why early vision screenings and convenient access to follow-up care are so important. 

At Neighborhood Health’s Arlington Pediatric Center, children can receive pediatric medical, dental, behavioral health, and optometry services in one familiar location. Optometrist Dr. Sadi Prasain sees patients from birth through age 18, with many referred after an abnormal vision screening during a well-child visit. 

“The children already know their pediatrician, they are comfortable here, and their families know where to come,” Dr. Prasain said. “Having optometry in the same location gives many children access to an eye exam that they might not otherwise receive.” 

Dr. Prasain grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and earned both her optometry degree and MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

She had long been interested in working in a community health setting, and the opportunity to help expand Neighborhood Health’s vision services was a natural fit. 

At Arlington Pediatric Center, Dr. Prasain evaluates children who have failed vision screenings as well as those experiencing concerns such as red eyes, eye turns, styes, or other any other eye concerns. Because optometry is located within the pediatric center, she can communicate directly with a child’s pediatrician and consult with other members of the care team. 

That collaboration can make an important difference. In one case, a parent brought in a child for what was believed to be a stye. After examining the child, Dr. Prasain recognized that the condition was more serious and helped the family obtain the appropriate care immediately. 

Vision exams can also identify amblyopia, commonly called lazy eye, and significant refractive errors that may otherwise go unnoticed. Children often do not realize their vision is blurry because they have never experienced anything different. 

“If we identify a problem early enough and a child wears glasses, it allows the eyes to develop properly and gives that child the best vision possible as they grow,” Dr. Prasain explained. 

Clear vision can affect a child’s ability to read, learn, participate in class, and navigate daily life. Fortunately, many childhood vision concerns can be addressed with something as straightforward as a pair of glasses. 

Neighborhood Health’s support does not end with the eye exam. The optometry team helps families understand their options for obtaining affordable glasses and can assist parents who need help ordering them. 

Dr. Prasain also helps support Neighborhood Health’s adult patients with diabetes by reviewing retinal images taken at clinic locations. She examines the images for signs of diabetic retinopathy and helps connect patients with specialty care when needed. 

Neighborhood Health is grateful to the Virginia Health Care Foundation for supporting the expansion of pediatric optometry services at Arlington Pediatric Center. This investment is helping more children receive timely vision care in the same trusted location where their families already receive other essential health services. 

Through this integrated approach, Neighborhood Health is making comprehensive care more accessible to children and families, regardless of a patient’s insurance status, background, or ability to pay.