Paediatric ophthalmology

Attending our children’s eye clinics

What to expect at your child’s appointment

If you're visiting us soon, here’s what you need to know:

• Paediatric eye appointments usually last between one to two hours
• The exact length and steps will depend on the type of eye tests or assessments your child needs

Watch our short video to find out more about what will happen during the appointment.

What to expect from your appointment

Supporting your child every step of the way

At your child’s eye appointment, we aim to make the experience calm, clear and reassuring for both children and families.

Here’s what to expect:

• We’ll explain what will happen in a child-friendly way
• Your child may have different eye tests, depending on what the appointment is for
• We may use eye drops to help us check the back of the eye or how well the eyes are working together
• You’ll have a chance to ask questions and share any concerns
• If your child needs ongoing care, we’ll discuss the next steps or follow-up plans with you

We always aim to involve families in decisions and tailor our care to your child’s needs.

Your first eye test at Newham Hospital[pdf] 6MB

Your first eye test at The Royal London Hospital[pdf] 1MB

Your first eye test at Whipps Cross Hospital[pdf] 1MB

Cyclopentolate, Tropicamide, Phenylephrine and Proxymetacaine eye drops [pdf] 206KB