This social story is designed to help children prepare for a visit to Moorfields Eye Hospital.
You can read it together before the appointment and return to it as often as your child needs.
Every appointment is different. Your child may not need all the checks or steps described in this story.
Use the photographs to help your child recognise the hospital, people and places they may see.
Your child can ask for help, more time, or a break if they need it.
When I arrive, I will enter the main doors.
There may be other people coming into the hospital too.
I can stay close to my parent or carer.
I can hold someone's hand.
I can use my communication aid.
I can ask questions or take my time.
I will go to the third floor.
I can use the lift or the stairs.
When I get to the third floor, I will enter through the main door.
I will go to the reception desk.
The receptionist will ask for my name.
My parent or carer can help me if I need help answering.
I will sit in the waiting area while I wait, there will be other children and adults waiting too.
I may meet someone from the Play Team.
Health Play Specialists wear green and Playworkers wear blue.
The Play Team can help me feel safe and comfortable.
They may offer activities or toys.
I do not have to play if I do not want to.
A nurse or orthoptist will call my name when it is time for my eye check.
I will go with the nurse or orthoptist. My parent or carer will come with me.
I may see staff wearing different uniforms.
The pictures show some of the uniforms I may see at the hospital.
I may look at letters or pictures on a screen.
I will cover one eye at a time.
The letters or pictures may get smaller.
I will try to tell the nurse or orthoptist what I can see.
There is no need to worry if I cannot see all the letters or pictures.
They are checking how well I can see.
If I don’t understand I can ask them to explain again.
I may need to have my eye pressure checked.
The equipment has a red and green light, and I may hear a quiet clicking sound.
The equipment may gently touch my eye.
I will try to keep my head and eyes still while the nurse checks my eye.
It may feel strange or uncomfortable for a moment.
If I am worried or uncomfortable, I can tell the nurse.
I may need some eye drops.
The eye drops help the doctor look carefully inside my eyes.
The drops may feel cold or sting for a short time.
My vision may become blurry after the drops.
Bright lights may also feel different.
I can hold my parent's or carer's hand.
I can use a fidget or take a slow, deep breath.
I can ask questions.
After my eye checks, I may go back to the waiting area.
If the waiting area is too loud or I feel overwhelmed, I can ask a member of staff if it is okay to sit in a quiet space when I wait.
I may need to wait for the doctor.
I can use an activity or toy if one is available.
When the doctor calls my name, I will go with the doctor to another room.
The doctor will look at my eyes and may use different pieces of equipment.
The doctor may use a bright light to look at my eyes. The light may feel very bright.
The doctor is using it to help them see my eyes.
The doctor will explain what they are doing.
Sometimes I may find part of the appointment difficult. That is okay.
I can tell an adult if I need help.
I can use words, signs, pictures or my communication aid to show what I need.
I need a break.
I want to borrow or use my own sensory toy to help me re-regulate.
I need more time.
I need help.
I need an explanation.
I need my parent or carer.
When my appointment is finished, I can go home with my parent or carer.
I may feel tired after my visit.
I may feel happy, relieved, proud or have other feelings. All feelings are okay.
I have finished my visit to Moorfields Eye Hospital.
Well done!