What to Expect > Parents

We provide a child friendly environment for both the waiting room and the examination itself.

Click here if your child does not comfortably know his/her alphabet. You can download our eye charts to practice with your child.

DILATION OF PUPILS

When bringing your child for an initial visit you should be prepared to be in our office for at least one hour and possibly two. This includes time waiting for the eye dilation drops to work (usually 30-45 minutes). Dilation of the pupils is necessary for a complete eye examination and essential in determining an accurate glasses prescription for children. The eye drops used are designed for children/infants and will be uncomfortable for about a minute. As the drops begin to work, your child will have trouble seeing things up close for a few hours. The dilating drops usually last 8 to 24 hours. Occassionally, they can last longer and the black pupils may remain large and sometimes unequal for up to several days. When leaving the clinic after dilation, patients are provided with sunglasses to protect their eyes from excessive light and glare. There is no need to warn the child ahead of time about the drops since the anticipation may be worse than the drops themselves.

If you normally care for more than one child it may be easier for you to make other arrangements for children not being seen that day.

YOUR ROLE

Remember, your child’s vision will improve only with your help. Take your child to visit our office as scheduled. Make sure Dr. Lenahan’s instructions are followed and make treatment fun for your child. Also, talk to us about any concerns that you or your child have.

Save time at the first visit:

Please bring in proper referrals, insurance cards and appropriate co-pays (check with your insurance company if unsure). This is the patient's responsibility and our office is usually unable to facilitate this for you on the day of the exam.

Note: Your doctor likely has referred you for a medical eye evaluation and this will be billed under your medical insurance (not your "vision plan" under most circumstances), so make sure you have the appropriate medical referral or authorization ahead of time.

To reduce your time in the office filling out forms, you may print and fill out the Patient Information Sheets prior to your visit.

 
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