We are frequent visitors of our PO office. I like to joke that we need a “Fast Pass” like they have at Disney!  As a parent, I struggle with how to not only make our eye appointments survivable, but fun. I bring my normal “bag of tricks” including books, crayons, puzzles, and other fun little things to keep them occupied.   As you all know, most visits are at least 1 hour, much longer if they need to dilate eyes and cooperation is really essential.  I just read an article that stated you only have on average 12 minutes with the DR and need to make the most of this time.  Well, my kids are usually a little board and not so cooperative by the time we are called back into the exam room.   When Elliana was younger, we would bring a bag of M&M’s (the only time she got sweets) every time she answered the PO’s questions (didn’t matter if the answer was right or wrong) or read the letters, she got an M&M.  This worked fantastic.  But then we needed to change it up to keep things exciting.  So, we planned a trip to get a slushie through the drive through on the way home from the visits.  Again, this worked out well, but I didn’t like the fact that I was rewarding good behavior with food again.  So, back to the drawing board.  When I stopped at a consignment shop and found a gigantic bag of My Little Ponies for $3.00, I knew I had hit the jackpot.  Now, for the last year, I bring a new pony to each visit.  I give my daughter the pony when the eye exam begins and the pony helps her read the letters.  Elliana can then add the pony to her collection.  It is a WIN- WIN situation.  She looks forward to her eye visits and meeting the new pony, the PO can get her testing in, and I am glad to find a non-sugar food way to make the appointments fun!