Prosthetic Eyes and Newborns

Early Intervention and Compassionate Care Make All the Difference

We know why you do what you do. Like you, we want your patients to get the help they need to be comfortable and at their best, no matter their age or stage of life.

For some patients, a “normal” life means a prosthetic eye that fits comfortably and gives them self-confidence. And for pediatric patients who are young and vulnerable, it’s important to advocate for exceptional care that will contribute to their future well-being.

At Carolina Eye Prosthetics, we know that infant and pediatric patients benefit from early intervention and excellent follow-up care. We see patients as young as one week old. The younger a patient starts with a prosthesis, the more easily they’re able to adapt, growing up with the confidence that comes with an eye prosthesis.

For more information about how to refer your youngest patients to Carolina Eye Prosthetics, please visit our provider referral partnerships page.

Provider FAQs

When and how should I refer my pediatric patient to Carolina Eye Prosthetics?

We can help with ocularist care options, artificial eyes, corneal scleral shells, and custom conformers.

We like to see our pediatric patients 6-8 weeks after their enucleation, or as soon as possible if their need for a prosthesis is related to congenital anophthalmia or microphthalmia. (Read about our Graduated Conformer Therapy for microphthalmia in babies.)

For infants and children, a prosthesis can help stimulate orbital growth, and progressive monitoring and re-sizing of the prosthesis will help ensure the eye socket is adequate in size.

Please visit our provider referral partnerships page for information on how to refer your patient to Carolina Eye Prosthetics.

How long will a prosthetic eye last for my pediatric patient?

Every patient is different. For infants, as they grow and develop, the prosthesis will need to change correspondingly.

How often will my patient need to come to Carolina Eye Prosthetics for follow up appointments?

For our youngest patients, we like to touch base with them every three to six months to ensure proper sizing of the prosthesis.

How can I support my pediatric patients in need of a prosthesis?

We recommend not delaying a referral to an ocularist. Early intervention is key to a child’s development — physically and psychologically — as they grow and adjust to life with a prosthesis. At Carolina Eye Prosthetics, we will always keep you informed of your patient’s progress.

The Carolina Eye Prosthetics Approach

Our work is an extension of your work, and it’s a natural progression toward a feeling of wholeness for our patients.

We take an individualized approach.

Our experienced team provides compassionate care and fully-customized, hand-painted prosthetic eyes for the most comfortable fit and realistic appearance. Many prosthetics can be fabricated and fitted in just one day.

Distance isn’t an obstacle.

We serve patients from all over the Triad area and the southeastern United States, some traveling more than 300 miles to visit our Burlington, N.C., office. Even though most services take a day or less, we provide complimentary hotel accommodations for our out-of-town patients. We also have a Spanish translator available on staff, all initial consultations are free, and video consultations are always an option.

We are committed to communication.

Our team believes in being available and accessible. We answer our phones and we will follow up with you to be sure you’re in the know regarding your patient’s care.

We have been bringing our son here for years. The professionalism and down to earth atmosphere makes it a wonderful experience. The talent and artistry is second to none.
– Aaron Fisher , father of William

Let’s Work Together

Carolina Eye Prosthetics wants to continue the good work you’re doing for your patients, making them more comfortable and confident. Our focus is always on the patient and their needs; our compassionate care is a positive reflection and extension of your provider-patient relationship.

We’d like the opportunity to get to know you better and answer any questions you might have. Please visit our provider resources page and contact us today to schedule a conversation.