Having your child get an eye exam can be a stressful and difficult experience for both you and your child. Many children are scared of the process or just don’t understand why they need to get an eye exam. 

As a parent, it’s important to help your child understand the importance of getting an eye exam and to make the experience as stress-free as possible. Here are some tips to get your kids to sit still during an eye exam.

1. Make the Appointment Early

Making the appointment for early in the morning can be helpful, as your child will be more alert and less likely to be tired or cranky. Plus, the eye doctor’s office will likely be less busy, so there won’t be any long waits.

2. Explain the Eye Exam

Before the appointment, explain to your child what will happen during the eye exam. Talk to them about the doctor, the tools they will use, and why it’s important to have their eyes checked. This will help them understand why it’s important and make them more comfortable with the process.

3. Prepare Ahead

It’s also helpful to prepare your child ahead of time. Have them practice sitting still and looking at the same spot for a few minutes. This will help them get used to the position and make it easier for them when it’s time for the eye exam.

4. Bring a Comfort Object

Bring a small comfort object with you to the appointment, such as a stuffed animal or a blanket. This will help your child feel more comfortable and secure during the exam.

5. Distract Them

Bring along a few toys or books to keep your child occupied while they are being tested. This will help keep their attention off of the exam and help them stay still.

6. Make It Fun

Make the exam more enjoyable by playing a game or singing a song. This can help make the experience more enjoyable and help keep your child focused. 

7. Give Positive Reinforcement

Let your child know that you are proud of them for sitting still, and reward them with a treat after the exam. This will help them build a positive association with getting their eyes checked.

8. Give Them Breaks throughout the Exam

If your child is having trouble sitting still, take a break and let them stand up and move around for a few minutes. Then, you can sit back down and try again.

9. Let Them Pick Out Their Own Frames

Many kids will be more cooperative during their eye exam if they know that they’ll be able to pick out new frames afterwards. Letting them choose their own frames will give them something to look forward to.

Conclusion

Taking your children to the eye doctor can be a stressful experience, but by following these tips, you can make it a much smoother process for both you and your child. Make sure to start early and explain to your child what to expect during the appointment. Also, provide plenty of distractions and treats to keep your child engaged and calm. 

Additionally, give them frequent breaks, use positive reinforcement, let them pick their own frames, and make the experience fun for them. Finally, be patient and understanding. Eye exams can be overwhelming for kids, and with a bit of extra preparation, you can make the process much less daunting.

If you’re looking for an experienced team of ophthalmologists in Calgary, look no further than Optiko. We offer a wide range of services and products to help our patients improve their vision and keep their eyes healthy. Book an eye exam with us today!