When possible, you should make arrangements for children to be accompanied during the examination by an adult who knows the child’s history and symptoms, and who can help the child feel comfortable and settled. The adult can also help the optometrist to explain instructions.

You should:

1. establish rapport with the child to ensure:
   • they are comfortable in the practice environment and your company
   • you can be confident about the validity of the results of the examination
2. communicate in a way that is appropriate to the child’s age, maturity and ability to understand
3. respect the child’s fears and concerns
4. explain the nature and purpose of the tests to the child and any accompanying adult in a way that they can understand
5. talk directly to the child and answer their questions honestly, taking into account their age and maturity
6. be aware that children who are disabled, have learning disabilities or whose preferred language is not English may have additional communication needs
7. ensure the accompanying adult is present in the consulting room throughout the examination, whenever possible. This helps ensure that the adult is fully informed and protects you and the child
8. make sure that the accompanying adult has accurate information about the outcomes of the eye examination.