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Many children can feel a heightened sense of nervousness during their first eye exam. While this is normal, there are ways to help put your child at ease when visiting their Tampa eye doctor for the first time – there are even ways to help make the experience enjoyable for them.
Preparing your child for their first eye exam is crucial to ensure a positive and stress-free experience.
When looking for a pediatric eye doctor, parents should look for someone who is highly reputable and skilled. Your child’s eye doctor should specialize in pediatric vision care because they will know how to help your child navigate their first eye exam successfully. The right Tampa pediatric eye doctor will do everything that they can so that your child feels relaxed for their first eye exam.
Additionally, the best pediatric eye doctors will specifically tailor your child’s appointment based on their needs, personality, and any specific concerns or issues that you have noticed about your child’s vision and have communicated.
Typically, children will feel more relaxed when they know more about an event like an eye exam. Before the appointment, have a reassuring discussion with your child. You should discuss what their exam will be like, what their eye doctor will likely do, and why this exam is important to attend for their health.
This is a great time to ask your child if they have any questions about the event. The more that your child discusses something that they do not fully understand yet, the more prepared they will feel. Additionally, you should remind your child that their Tampa pediatric eye doctor will answer any questions that your child may have during the appointment, and encourage them to ask any questions that their doctor can answer.
A great way to help familiarize your child with their eye exam and the things that may happen during it is to play pretend and practice at home. This could include using a flashlight to “shine” into their eyes to check them or to set up a piece of paper with letters on it to “test” their eyesight. These activities will boost your child’s familiarity with eye exam procedures and will allow them to be more comfortable during their appointment.
A great way to ensure a more stress-free visit that isn’t as frequently discussed is to schedule your appointment at the most optimal time. You should choose a time of the day when your child will typically be well-rested and alert. You should avoid scheduling the exam during typical nap or eating periods.
You should allow your child to bring comfort items or their favorite toy to help them associate going to an eye doctor with having fun. These items could include their favorite book, a blanket, a stuffed animal, or even a toy cat. These familiar objects can also provide a sense of security in an otherwise unfamiliar environment.
To help them feel more comfortable and prepared for their eye exam, reassure them that it is perfectly normal to have and ask questions to their pediatric eye doctor during the exam; their doctor is there to help them feel more comfortable and answer any questions that come to mind. Additionally, helping to foster a sense of curiosity in your child will allow them to come into the appointment with an open mind rather than having difficult, negative feelings about getting an eye exam for the first time.
Because we specialize in pediatric eye care, our Florida Eye Center team knows how tough and confusing a child’s first eye exam may seem to them. With decades of experience, we have learned a few tips and tricks to help make the process easier, more comfortable, and even enjoyable for our young, first-time patients.
To begin scheduling your child’s first pediatric eye exam, please call (813) 602-7336 or submit our appointment request form.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Florida Eye Center website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by the medical professionals at Florida Eye Center or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Florida Eye Center. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Florida Eye Center is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
To request an appointment, please access the form below or contact our office at (813) 972-4444. While we do our best to accommodate your request, appointment requests made through our website are not guaranteed until confirmed by our office. If this is an emergency, please call 911.
