Optician or hospital for DD? after school examination?

[Feminine]

DD is five. Yesterday she had her eyes tested at school, the result was that she is slightly weak in both eyes.

I think that is to be expected as one of her brothers has quite a strong prescription.

The paperwork said we'd need to attend a hospital appointment for a more detailed check-up.

I phoned the hospital and requested that I'll take it from here, as my son is due a check -up and will get DD under their care.

The lady said that wasn't advised as they (the hospital) can do a better job!

It is miles from us (rural) and I don't have a car during the week.

AIBU to think an excellent( more local) optician will be able to deal with my daughter just as well?

She is able to tell numbers/colours etc...all that is needed (at this stage) for a diagnosis apparently. :)

I have very short sight/astigmatism and so does one of my DC.

We have both been under the local optician for the last 25 years (since DC was 4, )

The thing with staying with the same optician (for me) is the consistency of care and the knowledge they build up about you and your eyesight. I personally don't like the Specsavers kind of setup where you never see the same person twice.

My optician has also been very prompt about referring for problems that need hospital attention (hole in retina, macular degeneration).

So I'd go to the optician.

I know what you mean nanny

since we came back to the UK DS has been under the care of an excellent local -ish optician.

Even in that short space of time they have been able to build a picture.

I suspect DD has a similar problem to DS, short sighted. :(

Feminine - I honestly can't remember. It wasn't that often, I don't think. I have a feeling we were prescribed a large box of patches and given instructions, then had 6 monthly appointments.

Thanks. :-)

opticians first. then they can refer if it is neccessary.

Hospital first. Based on my experience of hospital eye clinics and opticians, there will be a better range of testing available. Possibly that is due to my condition though. If it's the first proper check up, I'd want to take advantage of that despite the hassle. Hopefully all will be fine and you'll be able to revert to the optician.

In my case, I've got permanent damage due to a neglected referral. It's almost impossible that your DD will have the same condition as me so I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. Best to be sure though.

Thanks ina I'll probably end up going to the Optician first , as I'm going there with my son next Saturday...they booked her in to check.

But, I will go to the hospital too- when the appointment shows up.

I'm sorry about your situation though, that is a shame :(