According to optometrist Nicky Kiparissis, eye tests should be fun, engaging, empowering and trustworthy when it comes to kids. And this is what she strives for every day.
Kiddies Eye Care (KEC) was founded by Nicky, who has always had a passion for children. After years of testing across the state, she recognised that a number of colleagues were referring a large number of children to her. She also grew frustrated seeing children, including her own middle child, expected to fit into adult frames.
“I realised very early on that there never was a space designed for children,” Nicky says.
“Kids were always expected to sit behind the same big machines as an adult and answer the same questions, regardless of their age and ability. I never believed that it should be like that, so always did things a little differently.
“My youngest had strabismus surgery at an early age. He also insisted that he have red glasses which, at this stage, were nowhere to be found. I decided this gap in the market was something that needed to be closed.
“So, Kiddies Eye Care was born: a safe place for children where no eye test is ever the same.
“We don’t believe in one-size fits all. Every consultation is tailored to and guided by each child’s needs and ability on the day. Everything is in place to ensure that children feel confident, competent and engaged in the process, all while having a lot of fun.”
Since 2014, KEC has been catering for the visual needs of children in Melbourne, helping them to learn and to thrive. The team is so excited to provide these services to the children and families in Geelong and surrounds.
The clinic is filled with light and colour, with everything designed especially for kids: the mural on the wall and toys in the waiting room to the child-friendly testing equipment. The collection of children’s frames is second to none with each child feeling passionate about and confident in their choice of glasses, if required.
Lucy Bailey, Geelong-based mother and optometrist at KEC, says: “The process is engaging but also thorough, assessing all aspects of the visual system, picking up on any issues which could manifest as headaches, or behavioural or learning difficulties. We don’t want the process to be stressful to parents nor their child. We want to give them confidence and the wings to navigate their world.”
With 80 per cent of learning processed by the visual system, an eye test may be the most important school-holiday activity before the 2021 school year …
And every child gets a special lollipop at the end for doing such a great job!
Kiddies Eye Care, Ground Floor, 88 Myers Street, Geelong 3220. Open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, Saturday 9am-3pm. Enquiries: 5202 5911 or geelong@kiddieseyecare.com.au www.kiddieseyecare.com.au
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