Questions to ask at your child’s eye exam
When we took Zoe in for her first eye exam, I was still a bit in denial that there was any problem at all. Add to that Zoe’s meltdown by the end of the exam, and I really wasn’t prepared to ask any questions of the doctor. At her second appointment, the one in which she was prescribed glasses, I shouldn’t have been surprised by the outcome, but I was. And again, I was completely unprepared to ask any questions, except for “where on earth will we find glasses for her?” Luckily, Chris was with us at both appointments, and was able to ask some good questions, and more importantly, pay attention to the answers.
So here, are some questions I can think of, that I wish I’d asked. For those of you that are experienced at this sort of thing, what other questions do wish you had remembered to ask, or which questions you’re really glad you asked?
- What is the name of the diagnosis for my child’s vision problem? Can you spell it for me? Or can you write it down for me? (suggested by Jodi)
- Do you have any recommendations for placed to go for more information on this?
- If I have more questions at a later time, can I get a hold of you to ask them? What’s the best way / time to do so?
- When should we make another appointment for my child?
- Are there things I should watch out for between appointments? Should I bring my child in if I see those, or just call?
- If my child requires equipment (glasses, patches, etc), do you have any recommendations for where I could go to get these?
- Do any of my child’s relatives need evaluation? (Many conditions run in families and it can be beneficial to evaluate siblings and parents in some cases). Suggested by Dr. Bonilla-Warford.
Great list, Ann! I was also in denial at my daughter’s first eye appointment and became overly emotional when the doctor started describing what she perceived as the problem. I was alone, so I came home with very little concrete information for my husband to digest.
My advice is to have the doctor write down the condition for you (in legible handwriting, of course). More importantly, take someone with you to the apppointment, if possible. My daughter was incredibly upset at the drops/exam and I was too busy comforting her to listen to what the doctor was saying.
It’s hard for some parents to hear there is a problem with their child. I know it was for me. There was a little bit of denial there, as well as a lot of fear. That’s why this site is so helpful for parents! Keep it up!
This is a great list and I will pass a long the link.
Another question I’d add is: No any of my child’s relatives need an evaluation. This is particularly true for younger siblings, but many conditions can run in the family and sometimes is it beneficial to do an evaluation of parents.
Thanks Jodi and Nate, those are great suggestions, I’ve added them to the list.
Jodi, we had the exact same experience – Zoe was terribly upset by the drops and the exam, so I was comforting her and my husband was trying to get all the information.
This is a great list! I too was very upset at Aubrie’s first exam. I was 4 days overdue with my son, she was fighting the exam and the Dr. couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t restrain her (as if my enormous belly wasn’t the answer to his question), plus our Dr. was really rude and said her condition was probably a wide bridge to her nose. I was so irritated with him, shocked that her vision was so poor, and questioning how I was going to get her to wear glasses, where to buy, all that stuff that I didn’t pay enough attention. I was glad that I took my Mom since my husband couldn’t go. My mom is more forceful than me. She asked good direct questions & didn’t let the Dr. belittle us when he tried. I was very glad she went! Our new Dr. is MUCH better & the next time I took Aubrie I had a list of questions on paper to ask him. He did a good job of explaining everything to me. You would think in 1 years time I wouldn’t have more questions, but with glasses, I seem to always have more questions
This is so true! Its difficult to absorb everything the doctor is telling you, especially at the first appointment when your not sure what to expect, let alone think of intelligent questions to ask. Excellent list of questions!!
thanks for the post, we go tomorrow for Makenna’s first exam since getting her glasses…I am getting my list of questions ready and this was helpful. At our last appt I was so overwhelmed, hoping tomorrow goes better. Thanks again-this site is always such a great resource.
okay so i see that i am not alone in losing the plot at the first examination.
will be far more prepared for the next one.
thanks again, i just had a melt down on your other getting started section and i think that in some way i am still in extreme denial.
Its kind of hard to believe that Doctors dont write out the name of the condition. In four years attending, I have never been told what my son has but have just always picked up clues so knew he was long sighted. Thanks