For many parents, booking an eye test for a young child can bring a mixture of questions and worries, especially if their child may have additional needs or finds unfamiliar environments overwhelming.
At Optomeyes Eyecare, we understand that every child is different. Taking the time to adapt appointments to suit each child’s needs can help make eye care a more positive and comfortable experience for the whole family.
One parent recently shared her experience after bringing her four-year-old son Austin for a SEN-friendly children‘s eye test with Penny at our practice.
A Calm and Understanding Approach
As a mum, navigating the possibility that your child may have SEN (Special Educational Needs) can feel overwhelming at times. My son Austin is four years old, full of energy, curiosity, and has his own unique way of seeing the world. Recently, we took Austin for an eye test with Penny at Optomeyes, and I honestly could not have asked for a kinder, more understanding experience.
Making Eye Tests Feel Comfortable for Children
From the moment we arrived, Penny was calm, patient, and reassuring. Eye tests can already feel daunting for young children, but for Austin, the traditional chart test quickly became too overwhelming. Instead of pushing him or making him feel uncomfortable, Penny immediately adapted her approach.
Penny thoughtfully introduced a cube matching game instead. By holding the cubes at the correct distance, she cleverly turned the eye test into something playful and engaging for Austin. What could have been a stressful appointment became a fun little game instead.
Why Extra Appointment Time Matters
What really stood out to me was how Optomeyes allows extra time for children’s appointments. Austin was given a 30-minute test, which made such a difference because he had time to settle, adapt, and feel comfortable in the environment. In many larger high street chains, appointments are often much shorter due to time constraints and busy schedules, which can make it harder for children who need extra patience and reassurance. At Optomeyes, Austin was treated as an individual, not just another appointment slot.
Watching Austin relax, smile, and actually enjoy taking part meant so much to me as a parent. Penny’s kindness, creativity, and understanding made all the difference. She saw Austin as an individual and found a way to work with him, rather than expecting him to fit into a standard test.
Feeling Supported as a Parent
For parents of children who may have SEN, moments like this matter more than people realise. Feeling heard, supported, and understood can completely change an experience for both parent and child.
Thank you, Penny, and the team at Optomeyes, for your patience, compassion, and for making Austin feel comfortable and safe. It truly meant the world to us.
Book a SEN-Friendly Children’s Eye Test At Optomeyes
Every child experiences eye care differently, and some children benefit from a little extra time, patience and reassurance during their appointment.
At Optomeyes Eyecare, we aim to create a calm and welcoming environment where children and parents feel supported throughout their visit.
If you would like to book a children’s eye test or speak to our team about how we can help your child feel more comfortable during an appointment, please contact your nearest Optomeyes Eyecare practice in Wickham or Lee-on-the-Solent.