Whether it has been a few years since your child has been to an eye exam or this is his or her first visit, it can be unnerving to see an optometrist in Falls Church, VA, or the surrounding area. As a parent, you can take a few steps to make the entire process a little easier for everyone involved. When your child isn’t scared, it is easier for the optometrist to do the necessary tests.
Be Honest
Before it is time for the exam, tell your child what is going to happen. You don’t have to go into great detail, but let him or her know the tests that are likely to take place. For example, you can describe the visual acuity test as a game. Tell your child that he or she will be asked to look at different letters or pictures and describe them to the doctor. By letting your children know it’s not a scary process, they may have more confidence in the eye doctor.
Show Pictures
To a child’s imagination, some of the equipment used during a comprehensive eye exam can seem otherworldly. If you are able to find pictures of common instruments online, your child may not be nervous when he or she runs across said equipment in the office.
Talk About Importance
You know that this exam plays an important role in your children’s eye health, so let them know too. Just by understanding its importance, a child may be more eager to go to the optometrist. If your child does need to get eyeglasses, you will also have to make sure that he or she fully understands what the eyewear is for and how to use it.
Get More Ideas
Here at Nova Vision Center, we take care of the whole family. If you need more help preparing your child for the eye doctor, working with a pediatric optometrist may be a helpful solution. Your doctor may even be able to give you more tips.