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Eye clinic appointments: a guide for parents

Information and tips to help you make the most of your child's eye clinic appointment.

Going to the eye clinic gives you the opportunity to discuss your child's vision with the ophthalmologist and other eye clinic staff. It is a key time for you to ask questions or raise any concerns you have.

At the clinic, you may be busy with entertaining your child and keeping up with the tests and discussions during the appointment. It can be helpful to write down your questions and concerns before you go, so that you don't forget anything during your visit.

Your eye clinic may have an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) who can help you access local support services and make sure that the correct referrals to education or social support services have been made, and that you have details of any benefits or additional services that may help you.

Questions that may be helpful to ask

Questions you could ask the doctor, ophthalmologist, or paediatrician

  • What is the condition called? Can you spell that for me?
  • What causes the condition? Please explain as simply as possible.
  • How does the condition affect my child's ability to see?
  • Does this condition sometimes run in families? If so, can I speak to a genetic counsellor?
  • Can anything be done to cure or help this condition? Is any special treatment necessary? What might help? What can I do to help?
  • Is there anything my child mustn't do (for example, rub their eyes, shake their head, or jump on to a hard surface)?
  • Even with treatment, is the condition likely to get worse, get better or stay the same?
  • When should my child be examined again?
  • Where might we go for further advice and help? For example, could you give us the contact details for visual impairment professionals in social services, the education authority, and voluntary organisations?
  • Is there anything further I can do to help my child?
  • Have you got any information on this subject that I can take home and read?

Questions you could ask your child’s orthoptist or ophthalmic optician

  • Will glasses or lenses help? If so, when should my child wear them?
  • Are there any special aids which will help my child see better?
  • In your opinion, how well can my child see…
  • at a distance?
  • to the side?
  • in colour?
  • in the dark?
  • in bright light?
  • with movement?
  • with 3D vision?
  • What can I do to encourage my child to help their vision develop, and to make the best use of their sight?
  • Can you refer my child to a qualified teacher for children with a visual impairment (QTVI)? I'd like to discuss how my child's sight might affect him or her at school or nursery, and what sort of support should be put in place.

Useful information

You can find out more about an eye condition and maintaining good eye health using our information on your eyes

We’ve got some parent specific advice on Finding out about your child's eye condition

You can also find out more about the professionals supporting you and what they do on Who does what in eye care?

Take a look at our other resources around diagnosis and emotional wellbeing for children: Understanding your child’s vision

Our team of regionally based Children, Young People and Family Support Officers is here to help. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or you’d like to talk further about any of the above, then please email us at [email protected] or call us on 0303 123 9999.

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