You should take steps to protect yourself against unfounded allegations of inappropriate conduct or assault. These may result from children becoming distressed or uncomfortable at the close physical proximity and contact that is necessary during an eye examination. In addition to the guidance on communicating with children, you should consider these aspects of your consulting room:

1. an open access policy which means colleagues are able to knock and enter the room at any time without having to wait to be invited in after knocking
2. having windows into the consulting room or keeping the door ajar when there is no accompanying adult
3. the design and decoration so that it is not intimidating to children
4. arranging the furniture and equipment so that you are not positioned between the child and the door.