How do I prepare my 3yo for eye tests for a squint?

[FlamingoBingo]

She's not ever had to go to the Drs really so she's not used to that sort of thing. I mentioned it today in an 'isn't it exciting we're going to get your eyes checked out?' kind of way and she burst into tears .

We're going to take her and her big sisters to the optitians so she can see her big sisters having regular eye tests so hopefully that will help.

But what else can we do to ensure that, when we get the appointment through, she'll co-operate?

My 3yo DS had to do this - not for a squint but for a lazy eye.

First appointment at normal opticians was fine. He sat on my knee and looked at pictures etc. All very simple. Got a little chocolate teddy bear as 'prize' afterwards.
The optician was lovely - she's a friend though! And was obviously used to small children.

Second appointment was with an eye man at hospital - they put drops in that sting a bit and then do eyesight tests etc. DS found it a bit overwhelming and was promised small toy afterwards....... (its bribery and corruption all the way in this house!!)

In terms of preparation, we watched the Peppa Pig episode of the Opticians!!! I've seen a book or two at the library/bookshp too, but didn't bother with this. We made a thing about how 'cool' it was to wear glasses ... being in the 'glasses club with mummy, his nursery teacher, grandpa etc'

HTH

my experience is similar to marm, although with my second, she got the drops at the opticians. I was worried she wouldnt sit still, but he was so quick with her it was unbelievable! They do take about 20 mins to work though, so if your opticians doesnt have any toys, then take a couple with you, though bear in mind they do make the vision blurry. It was so funny seeing DD(3) doing a double take on everything she looked at

But, i dont think you would get drops on the first visit, rather a simple exam. I know watching Peppa Pig helped my little one, as there is an episode where Peppa has an eye exam, and then my DD could compare

Good luck, and i am sure she will be fine, as the opticians will have had plenty of practice

Hey FB - just realised it is you

She might surprise you and be fine Are you seeing an optician who specialises in/deals with a lot of children? I think that is the biggest factor.

DS started having eye appointments for a squint when he was 2.1yrs. The 1st optician appointment consisted of very simple tests, so he was fine. He then saw an orthoptist who is fantastic with kids - she had so many toys etc that he loved it - still does - and he amazed me by naming all the black & white line drawings (he could barely speak at the time!)

The drops are fine - just an instant of discomfort.

He hated seeing the opthalmologist, but he had the worst "bedside manner" - completely inappropriate for kids.

I'm sure most opticians/orthoptists are great at getting young ones to co-operate.

I took big sister along too to try on glasses - I think that helped.

Good luck

I didn't have any trouble - the hospital eye clinic were v experienced with children