I like to ask them if they have any pets. I tell them about my cats and show them pictures. Sometimes, I'll share my kids' ages and the sports they do that are the same as my patients' sports. Talking about swim meets, regattas, and teachers they have had makes the child more comfortable with me. It's helpful to find a common interest and talk about it.
Children love game! When I enter the exam room, I introduce myself and say, “We are going to play some games today!” I try to use no technical jargon. For visual acuity, I say we are going to look at some letters, and if they are younger, I use the HOVT chart and say we’re going to play a matching game. After visual acuity testing, I immediately go into stereopsis testing—children love the big “sunglasses” and are fascinated by the 3D images. It reallly engages them and draws them into playing more “games” (testing). My instruments are “flashlights”, my occluder is a “big spoon”— use your imagination and think like a kid! Linda Chous, OD Pediatric Optometrist at Twin Cities Eye Care Consultants and past president of the Minnesota Optometric Association
In my experience working closely with various professional settings, including healthcare practices that handle pediatric cases, one effective technique to ensure children are at ease during eye exams involves creating a child-friendly environment and using storytelling or gamification during the exam. For example, transforming parts of the eye exam into a game can make a significant difference. Optometrists might use charts with pictures or characters instead of standard letters and ask children to "spot the spaceship" or "tell me when the butterfly appears," which makes the process more engaging and less intimidating for a young child. This method shifts the child's focus from the clinical aspects of the exam to a more familiar and enjoyable activity. Additionally, decorating the examination room in bright, cheerful colors and having a selection of toys or children’s books available can help make the space more welcoming. Optometrists and staff might also wear colorful accessories or fun badges that draw children's attention and spark conversations, further helping to reduce anxiety. Using such techniques not only makes the child more comfortable but also facilitates a more effective examination as the child is less likely to be restless or uncooperative. This approach has been positively received, with parents often noting how these strategies helped their children feel more relaxed and even look forward to future visits.