Visiting the optometrist for their first eye exam can be an exciting milestone for your child.
It’s also a vital appointment to ensure their vision is developing correctly and to instil positive habits for lifelong eye health.
By scheduling annual visits to a trusted optometrist from the start of primary school, your child's vision can be closely monitored, allowing for early detection of any issues and providing them with the best foundation for learning and development.
However, some children may show some reluctance to attend their first eye examination if they don’t know what to expect; after all, the unknown can cause significant anxiety and trepidation.
To help parents and caregivers, we’ve put together a few tips and tricks to make a child’s first optometrist visit smooth, enjoyable and stress-free.
Choose the right optometrist
Finding a trusted optometrist who is comfortable conducting eye examinations on children can make all the difference.
Look for a practice that creates a welcoming environment and uses child-friendly equipment; optometrists who are more experienced and comfortable with seeing younger patients will often use playful and engaging techniques to help children feel relaxed during the exam.
By using Good vision for life’s simple search function, you can filter by ‘services provided’ and select ‘children’s vision’ to find a child-friendly optometrist near you.
Talk about the visit in advance
Prepare your child by explaining what to expect during their appointment.
You might explain to your child “the optometrist will check how well your eyes see and make sure they’re healthy.”
Reassure them that there will be no needles or painful procedures involved. Using simple and positive language can help alleviate any fears they may have.
Make it fun
Turn the experience into an adventure!
You can describe the optometrist as a special eye doctor who uses cool tools to check their “vision superpowers”; many children find the equipment and processes fascinating when framed as something fun and exciting.
Read age-appropriate books or watch videos about eye exams
There are various children’s books and videos available that illustrate what happens during an eye exam. Sharing these resources with your child can demystify the process and help them feel prepared.
Here are some we recommend:
My Trip to the Eye Doctor by Ayesha Rodriguez
Optometrists and What They Do by Liesbet Slegers
Peppa Pig: Pedro’s Glasses (S2E41)
Hey Duggee: The Glasses Badge (S4E3)
Good Vision for Life also provides accessible resources and tips to support parents, caregivers and educators.
Schedule the appointment time wisely
Choose a time of day when your child is well-rested and fed, such as mid-morning or after a nap. A calm and alert child will be more cooperative and engaged during the exam.
Say no to tired, hangry kiddos in an optometrist’s chair!
Bring comfort items
If your child has a favourite toy, blanket or other comfort item, bring it along. Having a familiar object nearby can make them feel more at ease in an unfamiliar setting.
Additionally, optometrists are usually happy to first demonstrate on a soft toy or doll to show kids what certain equipment does which can help them feel more at ease.
Encourage questions
Let your child know it’s okay to ask the optometrist questions.
For example, they might be curious about how certain instruments work. Encouraging curiosity can help them feel more engaged and less apprehensive.
The more you know, the more you know!
Celebrate the milestone
After the appointment, celebrate their accomplishment.
Whether it’s a trip to the playground, a favourite snack or a simple hug and words of praise, rewarding their bravery can create positive associations with eye care.
Why regular eye exams matter
Children’s eyes develop rapidly and early detection of vision problems is crucial.
Many common issues, such as myopia (short-sightedness) or amblyopia (lazy eye), are manageable if caught early.
Regular eye exams also ensure your child is equipped to thrive in school and enjoy their hobbies without vision-related challenges.
Visiting the optometrist doesn’t have to be intimidating for your child.
With the right preparation and a supportive approach, their first eye exam can be a positive experience that sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy vision.
You can find more information and resources here.
