Attention moms and dads, school is less than a month away and your child needs an eye exam upon returning. Scheduling your child a back-to-school comprehensive eye exam is important because in the first 12 years 80% of what your child learns is visual. Having good vision is a critical element to your child’s learning and 86% of students return to school without having exams. Now is the perfect time to schedule ensuring your child has an appointment before school begins. When planning your child’s back-to-school appointment with the eye doctor consider these tips:
- Schedule the appointment when your child is not likely to be sleepy or hungry. Schedule around your child’s ‘cranky’ time of day.
- Make a list of your questions and bring it with you. Take notes when speaking to the doctor, so that you can refer to them later.
- Have a plan ready in case you need to spend time in the waiting room. Bring a favorite book, coloring book or small toy that your child can play with quietly. A snack can also help to pass the time.
- Have the doctor explain what is being done, step by step, and encourage the child to ask questions.
- Bring your child’s favorite cuddly toy. The doctor can “examine” the bear or doll and holding a toy may keep little hands off of expensive equipment.
- Relax. Children look to their parents for cues: if you seem nervous, your child may become anxious. A trip to the eye doctor should be fun for both of you.
Tips adapted from Prevent Blindness America.
That’s a good idea to get an appointment when your kid is not hungry. I feel like that could help prevent as much crankiness as possible, which would make the whole situation go easier. I’ll have to make sure to do that if I take my kids to get an eye exam.