Zach’s First Eye Appointment: Finding Understanding at Optica Familiar & Family Eye Care

There are firsts you remember as a mom, and Zach’s first eye appointment is one of ours.

When I took my son to Optica Familiar Corp & Family Eye Care, I wanted him to feel comfortable, respected, and welcomed. As an autism mom, finding a provider who is willing to work with your child means so much. That understanding can make a difference before you ever think about the appointment itself.

His doctor was so accommodating to Zach. I left that experience grateful for the way he treated my son—and wanting other families to know about it.

What stayed with me was the understanding

When you are raising a child who communicates differently, appointments can come with a lot to think about. You want to explain what helps your child. You want the person caring for them to see who they are. And you want to feel that there is room for their needs.

That is why this visit meant something to me. The doctor’s willingness to accommodate Zach made an impression. My son deserves to receive care with understanding, and it matters when a provider helps a family feel welcome.

I spend a lot of time advocating for inclusion, but experiences like this bring that work close to home. Inclusion lives in everyday interactions, including how someone responds to the child sitting in front of them.

A thank-you from Zach’s mom

I wanted this spotlight to be personal because this was personal. This was my son’s first eye appointment, and I appreciated having an accommodating doctor as part of that first experience.

To Optica Familiar Corp & Family Eye Care: thank you for the kindness and understanding you showed Zach. Thank you for being willing to work with my son. Those things matter to a mother, and I wanted to recognize them.

For another parent looking for a place to start

I know how much it can help to hear from another parent who has taken that first step. That is why I am sharing our experience. A conversation with the office can help you explore whether the practice fits your family, too.

When you reach out, tell them how your child communicates and what helps them feel comfortable. Ask the questions that matter to your family. You deserve to have those conversations, and your child deserves to be part of them in a way that works for them.

For us, this first visit gave me a reason to be thankful. I am glad Zach has a new eye doctor, and I am grateful that his first appointment included the understanding every family hopes to find.

— Dr. Crystal Jordan, L.H.D., Zach’s mom and publisher of Auesomely You Magazine™

Learn more about the practice or contact the team through Optica Familiar’s official website.