What Should I Do if My Child is Nervous About an Eye Exam

November 18, 2022

Anxiety is Normal

Going for a trip to the doctor of any type can be a really stressful experience for kids. They have to break from their normal routine, travel to an unfamiliar place, interact with unfamiliar people, and might find what goes on quite unpleasant.

It’s completely normal, but it can put parents in the difficult position of putting their children through something they don’t want to do and might feel great apprehension about. Many parents might feel at a loss for what to do, so we’ve compiled a list of advice for parents whose children are feeling anxious about their eye exam.

Be Present for the Exam

Visiting the eye doctor puts kids through a lot of unfamiliar experiences, from the setting to the people, to the examination itself. Accordingly, you’re kiddo’s going to appreciate you being emotionally present for the exam. You might think that the appointment is a great time to catch up on emails or have some alone time, but if your child is nervous, it might be best for you to set your phone to silent mode and pour in. Nothing will make them feel more assured than connecting with you - even if you’re talking about things that have nothing to do with the eye exam.

Schedule Around Your Child’s Needs

It’s important that your child feel as physically comfortable as possible, so schedule your visit around your child’s “problem time.” If your kiddo has a particular time of day when they’re accustomed to a nap, it’s best to make sure that they’re well rested. Likewise, you should make sure they’ve had a snack ahead of time. The experience will be a whole lot more pleasant for both of you if they are fed and rested when they are undergoing the exam.

Communicate Clearly

Much of your kid’s anxiety about the appointment likely has to do with their imagination running wild with dread about what the exam will entail. Therefore, it’s important to tell your child in simple language exactly what to expect during the exam. We encourage you to phone ahead of time so that you know what will happen during the exam and you can communicate to your child both what will and will not happen. Don’t exclude things that you think might upset your child as they need to trust that you are giving them the full picture. By letting your child know what to expect, you will ameliorate their anxiety and make them more compliant for their next visit.

Comfort Them

Young children should never be told to “just suck it up” during a trip to the eye doctor. If they are scared, you should not only be an authoritative presence, you should comfort them during their exam. Maintain a soothing demeanor and physical contact with them so that they know you are with them and that you are a champion for their safety. Remain calm and reassuring as the exam is underway so that your kid feels protected even if they are uncomfortable.

Always Go to the Same Doctor

One of the scariest things for young children is being exposed to strangers who will have to invade their personal space. You should help your child come to understand everything from the office, to the doctor, to the examination room itself as familiar, so it’s important to always go to the same eye doctor. Instead of the “eye doctor” or “optometrist” use your doctor’s name, and mention familiar things about the office so that the entire process becomes as familiar as possible.

It’s no fun to see your child experience anxiety, but with these pieces of advice, you should be able to eliminate as much apprehension as possible. By having a comforting, safe experience with the optometrist at a young age, it sets up a healthy trust for the future as they grow. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We love helping kids and will do whatever we can to help you make the experience as comfortable as possible!

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