OPTICAL PRISM | VISION & VOICE
How do you make kids feel comfortable at eye care appointments ?
“ Keeping the pediatric eye exam engaging and interesting with fun ‘ games ’ for the child to participate in promotes a more enjoyable and welcoming experience . Directly interacting with the child and befriending them with questions about their hobbies , school life and getting more acquainted through simple interactions helps the optometrist understand their visual demands and can make the child more willing and eager to co-operate during the testing as they start to feel comfortable around the doctor .”
- DR . KIMBERLY CHAN , O . D .
“ Kid-friendly equipment is essential and having team members who enjoy spending time with children is always helpful . To elevate kids ’ comfortable levels , keep explanations simple and use pediatric tests , when available , throughout the appointment . Plus , make sure picking out frames is fun and not overwhelming by keeping separate frame boards for girls and boys .”
- DR . BRIDGITTE SHEN LEE , Optometrist and medical advisor to The Vision Council .
" Before visiting an ECP , parents should talk to their child and let them know it will be a fun experience , where they will get to learn about their eyes and vision . Making their visit a game-like adventure will allow them to have the comfort and trust needed to interact with eye care professionals . ECPs will explain the process in a fun and simple way , while alleviating any worries about wearing glasses and ensuring a positive experience ."
- CLAUDIA ROJAS , Licensed eyeglass , contact lens and refracting optician and Opticians Association of Canada board member .
Children approach eye exams differently . Some are excited and others are nervous . As an optometrist , it ’ s my job to make kids feel comfortable and it leads to more accurate findings . To do this , white clinic coats are not worn as they can make children feel anxious . Another suggestion is to make the exam room inviting - vision posters that are targeted at kids are a great way to educate at their level . Finally , make sure to make eye contact and get to know the child in your exam chair . It goes a long way to building comfort .”
- DR . LISA CHRISTIAN , Associate clinical professor and associate director of clinical education , University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science .
8 OPTICAL PRISM | September 2021