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This leaflet is for you to read through with your child before their appointment in the eye clinic so they know what to expect when they arrive.
What to expect at your first eye test appointment
My whole appointment can take around 2 hours.
The receptionists will let the team know I have arrived and will tell me to take a seat.
First I go to the waiting room.
I can play with my toys whilst I wait.
When it’s my turn, they will call my name.
I will go into the room where an orthoptist will test my eyes.The orthoptist is a person who looks at how my eyes move.
During the test I will have to wear some glasses, with one eye covered, or a patch over my glasses if I already have a pair. Then we can tell how well each eye can see.
I will be asked to look at some toys. This is to see if my eyes work together.
I will have some drops put in my eyes. They may feel a bit tingly and will make things look fuzzy and brighter.
I will need to wait for the drops to work. I can play with my toys while I’m waiting.
I will then meet an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who will look at my eyes.
The ophthalmologist wears a torch on their head so they can see my eyes clearly.
They will check that they are healthy. They might check to see if I need glasses too.
My eyes might be OK.
I might need to wear glasses and/or a patch. I may come back to see the orthoptist, who will look at how my eyes move again.
I can then say goodbye and go home.
Appointment checklist
I must take….
Any glasses I already have.
Sunglasses and sunhat.
After the eye drops, I might find the light seems brighter.
Refreshments.
Books and toys.
Content used courtesy of Widgit Health with input from Clare Mark, Advanced Orthoptist, Kingston Hospital Royal Eye Unit.
Contact information
Kingston Hospital Royal Eye Unit, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Telephone: