"Eye appointment"

My son (8) attended for his usual eye appointment at the Eye Pavilion, Edinburgh. He's autistic amongst other issues. As we checked in, he was kindly offered a sticker, which he accepted. He doesn't usually accept stickers, but this chap was really friendly and excited about stickers, which made my son enthusiastic. 

We waited in the quiet area for only about 10 mins before being brought in. The consultant introduced herself as Alexandra, which I appreciated for my son, as he wasn't scared of her. She was very friendly and bubbly. The eye examinations were carried out professionally, yet in a super friendly way. My son thought he was just playing games instead of having his eyes tested. She explained everything, including his many lenses she was adding to the special glasses he was wearing and kept the questions really simple. "Is this making the letters on the board clearer or blurry?" My son was interacting and enthusiastic due to the manner in which he was treated. When he got the letters wrong, there was no negative words or actions, just a "well done" or "good try". He doesn't know he couldn't read the letters well enough, so why bother telling him anything negative? Great attitude with a young child. 

We have seen many health care professionals at the Eye pavilion and all are amazing and so patient and enthusiastic with my son, keeping his attention, playing games, while checking his eyes. I am really happy with the care given to my son. There felt to be ample time for me, as mum, to ask questions. There seemed no hurry to get rid of us and all my questions were answered to my satisfaction. 

We are fortunate that my son is discharged from the care of the eye hospital, to an optician, who the consultant had heard of.

Thank you to all involved in the optical department at the children's hospital and the eye hospital.