Going to the optician – a guide for parents and families

Going to the optician can be a stressful experience not just for autistic children but also for their families. This guide looks at the reasons why it can be stressful and what you can do as a parent or family member to help make the experience better.

Why do children need eye tests?

It is recommended that all children have their eyes tested every two years. Not only will this allow the optician to make sure your child has corrective lenses if required and the correct prescription, it also allows the optician to check the general health of your child’s eyes. This is important for spotting any potential issues before they have time to develop.

Why is going to the optician potentially stressful for autistic children?

Your child might not realise why they have to go to the optician. If their vision seems ok, it can seem unnecessary. Underlying eye issues can be very hard to spot and sometimes don’t have accompanying discomfort or obvious symptoms.

All children could potentially find going to the opticians stressful. Opticians use a range of equipment to test the eyes and they may shine a light or blow a short burst of air into the eye to test reactions. These kinds of tests can be particularly stressful for autistic children.

How can I help?

Here are some strategies to help make a visit to the optician a better experience for you and your child. You will need to adapt them to suit your child’s needs and level of understanding.

Before the visit

You can help the optician prepare for your visit by letting them know in advance that your child is autistic. You don’t have to do this but it can be helpful. Give them as much detail as possible about your child’s needs. The optician may have experience of adjusting the service for autistic patients. They should be able to tell you what will take place at the appointment, for example that there will be three tests, each using a certain exercise or piece of equipment.

If it is your child’s first visit to the optician, you may like to take them to visit the building. Opticians usually operate as shops too, so you could take your child to visit the shop and if possible, to meet the optician and other staff before any appointment. You may be able to show them the equipment which the optician will use and how it works. Alternatively, if this is not possible you could ask the optician to provide photos of these things. Being familiar with the environment and the staff might help your child feel more comfortable on the day of the appointment.

The optician may also be able to recommend an appointment at a time they are generally less busy and it will be quieter.

Prepare your child

If your child has had a bad experience at the optician you may, understandably, want to put off telling them about the next appointment – perhaps until the last minute. But, in most situations, it is better to let your child know as early as possible – even if it has an impact on their behaviour at the time. You could use a visual support, like a calendar, if your child’s concept of time is poor.

You could also use Social stories with your child to describe what happens at the optician and why we need to have eye tests. They can be a useful way of providing information about an activity and the reason for doing it.

On the day

Breaking down the visit

You could use visual supports, such as a sequence of pictures or photos that show the different steps involved in the optician visit. This could help your child to know what is coming next and when each step is finished. You could also include a reward picture at the end of the sequence so they have something to look forward to.

Time indicators

Use visual or auditory timers (eg sand timers, buzzers, a mobile phone alarm) to help your child to understand that this experience has a time limit.

Comforters/distractors

Letting your child take comforters into the opticians could help to occupy or distract them. For some people, listening the music on headphones, or having music in the background, can act as a good blocker.