Lecturer and optometrist, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University

I’m sure we’ve all had those moments in the testing room when you can feel a parent’s breath on the back of your neck as they lean in to watch your every move while you check their little one’s eyes. I find this particularly with my myopia management patients.

Listen carefully to parents’ concerns – as a parent myself, I can say with confidence that I know my children best. Most importantly, be sure to respect all involved – parent and child – and have confidence in your professional abilities.

While these situations can be tricky to deal with, ultimately you all want the same thing – the best for that child.