Optician: What advice should practitioners follow when seeing child patients during the pandemic?
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney: Children should be seen with the same priority as adults according to the College’s recovery phase guidance table. Where there is a concern regarding strabismus, these patients should be prioritised. It is important to remember that symptoms of strabismus or amblyopia should be regarded as an essential need and a sight test should be arranged, even during a local lockdown.
Timely correction is essential and primary care optometry is well-placed to help all symptomatic children during this pandemic. Cycloplegic refractions should take place as normal. Accommodative esotropia is a good example of a common condition that can be well-managed following a cycloplegic refraction by spectacle correction.
In the run up to the new school year, it is critical that any parent with concerns or a family history of refractive error contacts their local practice to discuss their concerns and, if appropriate, arrange a sight test. We would recommend telephone triage in the first instance to prioritise those most in need. In England where a practice has sufficient capacity to safely examine routine asymptomatic patients, this may include children.
O: How can practices create welcoming environments for children while maintaining safety?
DHM: Preparing children for what to expect is essential. There are various ways this can be achieved from videos to a simple photo montage. Sadly, toys in waiting rooms and non-wipeable motility cuddly animals will have to be put into storage until the pandemic is over, but there is scope for innovation. Some practices have photograph name and face badges that can be worn under transparent aprons, which can be reassuring for children.
O: What is outlined on the College’s poster for children?
DHM: The aim of the poster is to reassure and engage children. We have always known optometrists are primary care superheroes, so what better way of welcoming everyone, including children, than a superhero optometrist poster. On social media some members have been embracing the look.
O: What should be communicated to parents before their child’s visit?
DHM Most optometrists will have a telephone call to discuss symptoms and case history in advance. At this point, it would also be helpful to remind parents to explain how the practice will be different to their child so they are prepared for an altered practice.