Children learn primarily by imitating what they see, which is why it’s essential to keep their eyes in good condition. A reliable way to do so is to have them undergo regular eye tests. These help in the prompt detection and management of childhood vision problems, keeping their eyesight intact for their continuous learning.
That said, they may feel nervous about going to an eye clinic and having their eyes checked. Let your go-to myopia control center, The Myopia Institute, share three great tips for preparing your kids for an eye exam.
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Avoid Keeping Your Children in the Dark
If your child is scheduled to have an eye exam, it’s best to tell them beforehand. Their doctor-related fears are often the product of lack of communication and adequate preparation. To reduce their anxiety, you may show them pictures of the center, our doctors, and even instruments to be used.
We also suggest using teaching aids as appropriate with their age and learning capacity, making it as fun as possible. Better yet, you may bring them to the clinic before your scheduled appointment for an ocular visit. This can relax them, gradually allowing to get used to the process.
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Be Prepared Too
When looking for an eye doctor, we advise checking their website and look for words such as “family practice” or “pediatric optometry.” You may also give us a call to ask about our offered services, particularly children’s eye care. Our friendly eye specialists will be more than willing to meet you personally as well if you have any further questions.
These steps establish rapport, which may help build your kid’s trust with our healthcare team. Before your scheduled appointment, we also recommend listing down all your concerns about your child’s visual health. It’s a good idea to prepare their medical history and all related documents as well.
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Refrain from Leaving Your Child’s Side Throughout the Visit
Staying by your child’s side throughout the eye exam to calm their nerves. Your reliable optometrist also suggests helping them choose their corrective lenses, should we detect any refractive errors. This can make them look forward to wearing their specs. It also makes the entire experience more enjoyable for them, ensuring better cooperation for their next appointment.
For more ways to prepare your child for an eye exam, contact a local myopia control specialist in your area.