SmileyScope VR
Transforming Children's Hospital Experiences
Hospital procedures such as blood tests, cannulation, vaccinations, scans and wound dressings can be frightening and distressing for children. Many parents will know first-hand how challenging these moments can be for both children and the adults supporting them.
Smileyscope is a clinically designed virtual reality (VR) headset that helps transform these experiences. Rather than focusing on the procedure taking place, children are immersed in calming and engaging worlds, helping to reduce anxiety, distress and fear.
When we first learned about Smileyscope, we immediately recognised the difference it could make to children and families. Through the generosity of our supporters, Thinking of Oscar funded five Smileyscope headsets across four children's hospitals across the UK.
Today, those headsets are supporting hundreds of children through blood tests, vascular access procedures, MRI scans, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and other potentially distressing experiences.
"It wasn't one blood test that was difficult – it was the tenth, fifteenth and twentieth. By that point he was bruised, exhausted and fed up. The underwater experience became something he genuinely looked forward to and helped him focus on something other than the procedure"
Parent of a 10 year old
Impact at a Glance
Real Stories. Real Impact.
Supporting a Child Through Repeated Blood Tests and IV Treatment
One child was admitted to hospital with a serious infection requiring a prolonged stay, multiple blood tests, repeated vascular access procedures and ongoing intravenous antibiotics.
As treatment progressed, he became increasingly distressed by the frequency of procedures. Repeated blood sampling and cannulation attempts left him bruised and sore, and he began to anticipate each procedure with growing anxiety.
Smileyscope was introduced to support blood tests and vascular access procedures. His favourite experience was the underwater adventure, where he became completely absorbed in exploring the virtual world and interacting with sea life.
Working alongside experienced nursing staff, the headset helped shift his focus away from the clinical environment and the procedure itself. On several occasions, he was so immersed in the experience that he was genuinely surprised when told the procedure had already been completed.
From a parent's perspective:
"It wasn't one blood test that was difficult – it was the tenth, fifteenth and twentieth. By that point he was bruised, exhausted and fed up. The underwater experience became something he genuinely looked forward to and helped him focus on something other than the procedure. More than once, he was amazed when the nurses told him they had already finished."
Avoiding a General Anaesthetic
A seven-year-old oncology patient with severe hospital anxiety initially refused to enter the MRI scan room and requested a general anaesthetic for surveillance scans.
Using Smileyscope's MRI familiarisation programme, she explored a simulated scan environment, practised lying still and gained the confidence to attempt the scan awake.
She successfully completed her MRI without a general anaesthetic and has since gone on to complete multiple awake scans.
Supporting Rehabilitation After Spinal Surgery
A fourteen-year-old recovering from spinal surgery was extremely fearful of mobilisation during physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Using Smileyscope's calming environments and guided breathing exercises, she was able to regulate her anxiety and achieve a major milestone in her recovery by sitting up in her wheelchair.
The headset went on to support blood tests, x-rays and ongoing rehabilitation sessions, becoming both a coping strategy and a reward for her determination.
"The introduction of Smileyscope within our service has had a significant and positive impact on patient admissions and overall patient experience.
VR has enabled us to reduce anxiety, improve cooperation and enhance comfort for children undergoing a wide range of procedures, from blood tests and imaging to physiotherapy and mobility sessions."
Jo Pinney, Play Specialist Lead, Oxford Children's Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals
Listen and Learn More
Listen to our interview with Smileyscope founder and CEO Dr Evelyn Chan on The Not Mini Adults Podcast, where she shares the story behind Smileyscope and the impact it is having on children around the world.
You can also watch the video below to see Smileyscope in action.
Help Us Reach More Children