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Could Your Child Need Glasses?
Making the Process Go Smoothly for Your Child By Felicia Hodges
Choosing the Right Doctor for Your Child
Like your child's pediatrician and dentist, it is a good idea to find an eye doctor that works well with children and helps make them feel at ease when they walk into the office. Dr. Collins says he tells children visiting for their first exam what they won't get from their visit. "I tell them that, unlike some doctor's visits, they'll never get a needle or any pain from an eye exam," he says.
Stettner says it is also important to look for a staff that has a good report with children, especially when it comes to choosing frames for eye glasses.
"The staff person should include the child when talking about the frames, getting down on their knees to speak at the child's level," she says. "They should also not talk down to a child with 'baby' talk or young language. Kids are kids, but they're also people. The person helping them with their frames shouldn't forget that."
So, before you schedule an appointment, ask parents of your child's playmates about good eye doctors in your area, then take a visit yourself and look around. Is the staff attentive and courteous? Would the waiting and exam rooms be intimidating and scary to your child? Does the doctor explain what he is going to do before he does it? Also ask how long the exam will take and what type of tests will be performed so you can give your child a better idea of what to expect during the test. A few minutes of research before the visit can help you know if the doctor is right for your child.
Michael was diagnosed by Dr. Collins as being slightly nearsighted, which, he says, is perfectly normal for kids his age. Laurie was given a slight prescription for corrective lenses and had it filled the day of the exam.
"He had fun picking out the frames," Laurie said. "That took more time than the exam did."
