Vision Center
Overview
We specialize in the comprehensive evaluation, coordinated care and cutting-edge treatment of eye disease and visual system disorders in infants, children, teens and adults who have remaining vision disorders due to childhood eye diseases. People travel from all over the world to our vision center for advanced treatment in rare eye diseases such as congenital nystagmus.
Advanced treatment.
We offer the latest in diagnostics and care for children with vision problems, no matter how simple or complex. Led by renowned pediatric ophthalmologist Richard Hertle, our team of ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, ophthalmic techs, scientists and others is committed to improving the quality of life for you and your child.
We use technology to perform imaging and physiological evaluation of visual systems, and incorporate specialized tests and procedures, such as ERGs and EMRs, to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
We also offer the following specialty programs to allow patients to receive multiple appointments in one day, in one location.
- Uveitis Clinic. Uveitis is swelling and irritation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which provides most of the blood supply to to the retina. It can be caused by autoimmune diseases such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, infection or exposure to toxins.
- Nystagmus Clinic. Nystagmus refers to rapid, involuntary movement of the eyes (dancing eyes). It affects one in about 3,000 people, and many of these individuals are partially sighted. Dr. Richard Hertle is one of the only physicians in the world who performs the horizontal tenotomy to improve congenital nystagmus.
- Adult Strabismus Clinic. Strabismus, often referred to as crossed eyes, refers to any misalignment of the eyes. The eyes may turn in, out, up or down. If the same eye is chronically misaligned, amblyopia (lazy eye) may also develop in that eye.
Locations/Contact Us
Contact Vision Center
Akron Children's Hospital Specialty Care
Locust Professional Building
300 Locust St.
Suite 490
Akron, Ohio 44302
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Map & directions
Akron Children's Hospital Specialty Care
6505 Market St., Building C, Suite 1100
Boardman, Ohio 44512
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Akron Children's Hospital Specialty Care
3443 Medina Road, Door 1 (Suite 108)
Medina, Ohio 44256
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Akron Children's Hospital Specialty Care
6100 Whipple Ave, NW
Side entrance (West), Level 1
Canton, Ohio 44720
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Map & directions
Our Doctors/Providers
Optometrist
Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Director, Pediatric Ophthalmology; Dr. Boomer and Jill Burnstine Chair in Pediatric Ophthalmology; Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Pediatric Optometrist
Pediatric Optometrist
Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Open Clinical Studies
A study testing the BrainPort® artificial vision system
We are studying whether a medical device called the BrainPort® can help blind children. The device includes a video camera mounted on top of a pair of glasses. The camera sends signals to a special tongue pad held in the mouth. Using this device, the brain “learns” to detect visual information such as shapes and movement. Walking a 40-foot obstacle course your child will learn to locate various objects. Two groups of children will participate: children who are blind and those with normal vision. Twenty children will be in the study which may take up to 6 two-hour visits. The study takes about a month to complete. For full study description please visit: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02643238?term=BrainPort&rank=2
Currently recruiting
About Insurance
Insurance coverage for vision is dependent upon diagnosis and can involve your medical insurance and/or vision care insurance. A diagnosis can only be determined by the provider at the completion of the exam. In addition, coverage varies by company. Please review your insurance plan benefits for vision care in advance of your appointment. In addition, there is a specific test that is done at each yearly exam and possibly each visit depending on the patient's diagnosis (CPT 92015 Refraction). This is often not paid by insurance. For questions about your individual plan please contact your insurance carrier.
Contact Lens Program
Contact Lens Program
Children with certain medical conditions of the eye, such as nystagmus and aphakia, may benefit from wearing contact lenses, including children as young as infants. Older children who are prescribed glasses may also be able to wear contact lenses to correct routine vision problems. This is based on their specific vision problem and level of maturity, including whether they’ll be able to follow instructions for cleaning and handling their contact lenses.
The optometrist at Akron Children's Vision Center is specially trained in fitting children in contact lenses. First, our staff will determine your insurance coverage and whether your child’s condition is related to a medical or vision problem. Insurance coverage for contact lenses varies, so we will determine what portion of the exam, contact lens fitting and contact lenses will be covered.
At the fitting appointment, our optometrist and child-friendly staff will teach your child how to properly clean, insert and remove the lenses. After about two weeks, you and your child will return for a follow-up visit to make sure they are comfortable wearing contact lenses, no further modifications are needed and to answer any of your questions. After the final contact lens fitting, you will receive a copy of your child's contact lens prescription.
We can fill your child’s initial contact lens prescription as well as provide refills by mail within one year of your child’s eye exam. Rather than periodic refills, you may also choose to fill your child’s entire yearly prescription at once.
