Russian Doctors Use Virtual Reality to Reduce Medical Stress in Children

Clinics across Russia are using VR headsets to distract young patients during vaccinations, blood draws, and dental visits—making healthcare less scary and more humane.

Russian healthcare providers are embracing virtual reality as a tool to ease children’s fear and discomfort during routine medical procedures. Whether it’s a vaccination, a blood test, or a dental exam, VR technology is helping reduce stress and anxiety in young patients by immersing them in animated worlds filled with their favorite characters.

The approach relies on lightweight VR headsets, which are becoming increasingly popular in Russia’s rapidly growing tech market. Local developers are actively partnering with clinics to roll out these systems. One example is the “Be Healthy” medical network, where children are now welcomed into exam rooms with VR experiences designed to keep them calm and engaged.

Beyond reducing pain-related stress, the technology is also tackling a long-standing challenge in pediatric dentistry. Many children who fear the dentist are now more willing to attend appointments, encouraged by the promise of cartoons in virtual reality.