Visits to the Optician

Many survivors find it difficult to go to the opticians, for similar reasons to those that have problems accessing the dentist.  It is linked to the distress caused when someone invades their personal space and the feelings that this can ‘trigger’.

Knowing that they are not alone in this can help. Others have found it helpful to take someone with them into the examination room; others to ask for a professional of a specific gender. It might help if you explain that you have difficulties being in such a small room – so that they appreciate this is overwhelming for you. You do not have to say ‘why’ – as opticians should be sensitive to their being an ‘issue’ without the need for a full explanation.