FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Eye Care Center LTD Launches Little Eyes, Big Smiles, a New In-House Myopia Management Program for Chicagoland Children

Starting August 1, 2026, families in Addison, Burbank, and Willowbrook will have access to a fully in-house program designed to slow childhood nearsightedness and protect kids’ vision for the long term.

CHICAGOLAND, IL, August 1, 2026 – The Eye Care Center LTD, a family-owned optometry practice serving Addison, Burbank, and Willowbrook, Illinois, today announced the launch of Little Eyes, Big Smiles, a new in-house myopia management program built specifically for children. The program officially opens to patients on August 1, 2026, at all three of the practice’s locations.

Little Eyes, Big Smiles gives local families a doctor-led path to slowing the progression of myopia, or nearsightedness, in kids. Rather than referring patients out to a separate provider, The Eye Care Center LTD’s own optometrists will manage every part of a child’s care directly, from the first consultation through ongoing monitoring visits.

“Myopia in children is becoming more common, and for a lot of parents, a stronger glasses prescription every year starts to feel normal. It isn’t,” said Dr. Najib Albina, O.D., who has led much of the practice’s myopia management work. “With Little Eyes, Big Smiles, our goal is to actually slow that progression down, not just keep updating the prescription. Families get one doctor who knows their child’s case from day one and stays with them through every step.”

The program offers a range of treatment options, including orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, soft multifocal contact lenses, low-dose atropine eye drops, and myopia control spectacle lenses. Doctors work with each family to build a personalized plan based on the child’s age, eye health, and daily routine.

“We wanted a program that felt like an extension of the care our patients already know from us, not something outsourced,” said Dr. Quentin Park, O.D. “Bringing myopia management fully in-house means shorter waits, more continuity, and a doctor your child already trusts guiding the whole process.”

Left unmanaged, higher levels of myopia in adulthood are associated with increased risk of certain eye conditions later in life, including glaucoma and retinal detachment. Doctors at The Eye Care Center LTD say early evaluation is one of the most effective steps parents can take.

“Parents often wait until a teacher mentions their child is squinting at the board, but the earlier we can start a conversation about myopia, the more options a family has,” said Dr. Jenna Bacerra, O.D., whose practice focus includes pediatric vision care. “Little Eyes, Big Smiles gives us a structured way to have that conversation and act on it quickly.”

The launch comes as part of The Eye Care Center LTD’s broader commitment to expanding access to specialized eye care across the Chicagoland area.

Little Eyes, Big Smiles consultations are now open for scheduling at all three Eye Care Center LTD locations.