How to Prepare Your Child for a First Eye Exam
Doing anything for the first time can be intimidating, especially a child’s first eye exam. However, you have the power to give the needed support to not only prepare your kiddo but create excitement about about that first vision exam! Visionworks is on a mission to simplify eye care. That means we’re here to help you prepare your child for their very first eye exam and start establishing life-long eye-health practices. Learn what to expect at your child’s first eye exam and ways to get them excited about eye care.
Explain the Importance of Children’s Eye Exams
Your child may ask, "Why do I need an eye exam anyway?" Explaining the importance of annual eye exams is a great way to empower your child and teach the value of self-care. Children may associate going to the doctor with being sick. Help them understand eye exams don’t mean anything is wrong with their eyes but that it’s good to check every year to make sure eyes are healthy. Keep the conversation light and kid-friendly—and avoid sharing "worst-case" scenarios that could cause anxiety.
Learn what to Expect at Children’s Eye Exams
Teaching your child what happens during an eye exam is the best way to help them feel comfortable about the experience. An eye care lesson doesn’t have to be boring! Practice the eye exam steps beforehand by pretending you’re the eye doctor. Walk your child through their play optometrist visit and get them excited about the process. Essential lessons to cover include sitting still or "freezing", reading things from far away and covering one eye at a time. Here’s what to expect at your child’s first eye exam:
Medical Consultation
First, the eye doctor asks questions about your child’s eye health, general health and family history. It’s best to write notes on this information beforehand to streamline the process. The consultation is a good time for your child to get comfortable with the optometrist before beginning tests. Tell your child they can ask questions, too!
Refraction Test
The refraction test evaluates nearsightedness and farsightedness and helps the eye doctor determine vision correction needs. Your child looks through lenses and focuses on an image while a machine scans their eyes. Explain that this is like looking through binoculars, making it exciting for them to discover what they see.
Eye Pressure Test
The eye pressure test checks for signs of glaucoma, which is rare in children. This test may be a little difficult for kids because they must sit very still while a small puff of air hits their eyes. Explain that the eye pressure test isn’t painful, but it may surprise them. Practice sitting still or playing "statue" for this one.
Digital Retinal Imaging Scans
Digital retinal imaging is a non-invasive technology—part of Visionworks’ comprehensive eye exams—in which the eye’s retina is scanned. The scan takes less than two minutes and is painless but staying still the entire time is necessary. It helps to tell your child that a very cool machine is taking a picture of the inside of their eye, getting them excited to see the result.
Slit-lamp Test
During the slit-lamp test, the eye doctor shines a bright light into your child’s eyes to examine the cornea, iris and the fluid chamber that divides these two structures. Let your child know in advance that the doctor will shine a bright light into their eyes, so it feels a bit like walking out of a dark movie theater on a sunny day. Nothing to be afraid of!
Vision Exam
Your child may be most familiar with the visual acuity test from movies and TV shows. During this test, the doctor asks your child to read letters off the Snellen Chart. Make this fun for kids by framing it like a game. Why not encourage them by rewarding a prize for completing their first eye doctor appointment?
How Else Can I Prepare my Child for a First Eye Exam?
Plan Ahead
Plan your child’s first vision exam strategically. For example, it may be best to choose an appointment after your child’s snack or nap time to ensure they’re not tired or hungry during the visit. Also, bring a toy or entertainment for the waiting room and a comfort object, like a stuffed animal, to help if they’re a little nervous.
Discuss Frequency
Help your child understand the frequency of vision exams. Most children only need an eye exam once a year—and knowing this might alleviate worries. It can help to tell your kiddo that a vision exam is part of their back-to-school season routine.
Get Your Child Excited
Frame your child’s eye exam as an exciting experience to learn more about their eyes rather than a chore to be endured. Congratulate them for completing their visit and reward them for being a good patient. For example, go out for ice cream after the exam. Also, make sure to explain the results of the visit. Let them know whether they have perfect vision or need glasses. If your child needs glasses, don’t worry. We have many ways to help your kid get used to new frames.
Schedule Your Child’s First Eye Exam Today!
You may be a little nervous about your child’s first eye exam, but the eye care experts at Visionworks are here to help make the visit easier. It’s simple to schedule your child’s first eye exam online and find an appointment that fits your family’s busy schedule. Remember, the best way to prepare is to plan ahead! Find a Visionworks location near you and schedule your child’s first eye exam today.
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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