How to Talk to Teachers About Your Child’s Prosthetic Eye

Your child has just received their prosthetic eye. You’re noticing they’re more confident, more comfortable, less anxious, and less self-conscious. Things are moving in the right direction, and it’s important to keep that positive momentum going by ensuring their school experience is a supportive one.

Talk to Your Child’s Teacher About Their Needs Inside the Classroom

• Your child may need assistance inside the classroom. Here are some topics to consider addressing with your child’s teacher or school administrators:
• Preferential seating in the classroom so they can see the whiteboard, blackboard, or overhead projector
• Permission to change seats during class if they can see better from a different angle or placement
• Access to printed copies of notes from the whiteboard, blackboard, or overhead projector
• Permission to be excused if they’re experiencing any eye discomfort, including a possible trip to the school nurse
• Time away from the classroom for follow up doctor’s appointments
• Consider a 504 plan if your child needs accommodations in the classroom — it’s a formal plan that will be put in place to ensure your child gets the support they need to be successful in school

Talk to Your Child’s Teacher About Their Needs Outside the Classroom

• Your child may need assistance outside the classroom. Here are some topics to consider addressing with your child’s teacher or other school staff:
• Ask your child’s teacher to be vigilant to be sure your child isn’t the target of any bullying or mistreatment
• Be sure school staff are encouraging your child to participate in activities, including sports and physical education class
• Your child might need preferential seating for films, theater productions, assemblies, and other kinds of performances
• Be sure your child wears protective eye gear or glasses for sports, physical education, and any other athletic activities

Prepare Your Child for Going to School with a Prosthetic Eye

• Even with the newfound confidence that comes with a prosthetic eye, your child will likely be nervous about going to school. You can help your child adapt by:
• Reviewing the ways you’re advocating for them inside and outside the classroom, and ways they can advocate for their needs, such as asking to sit at a different desk
• Giving tips on how to educate their friends about their new prosthesis
• Empowering your child with confidence by reminding them of their resilience to overcome challenges
• Reminding your child they’re not alone, that they have family, friends, and teachers who care immensely about their wellbeing

How Carolina Eye Prosthetics Can Support Your Child and Family

• We have a board-certified ocularist on staff who specializes in pediatric care. Get to know Anna Boyd Jefferson and the rest of the CEP staff.
• We are always willing to schedule a brief, no-cost appointment without your child present so we can hear how you’re doing, respond to your needs, and clarify any details before your child’s first appointment.
• We offer free video consultations that you can schedule right from our website.
• Our patients love that we’re able to measure, create a custom, hand-painted prosthetic eye, and deliver it all in just one day!

Learn more about Carolina Eye Prosthetics pediatric services and expertise.