Buying glasses for your child doesn't have to be complicated. Learn how to choose eyewear that's safe, comfortable and designed for growing eyes.
Author: Jo Lindley
Last reviewed by: Laura Brooker
Whether the school holidays have just begun or a new term is approaching, it can be a good time to check whether your child’s glasses are still comfortable, secure and helping them see clearly.
Children’s vision and prescriptions can change as they grow, sometimes without them realising. Regular eye tests help ensure their prescription remains accurate and give your optometrist an opportunity to check their overall eye health.
If your child needs new glasses, the right pair should do more than help them see clearly. They should feel comfortable, withstand everyday adventures and give your child the confidence to wear them.
Understand the importance of regular eye test.
Children should usually have an eye test at least every two years, unless their optometrist recommends more frequent appointments. However, there are certain stages and situations when it is especially important to book an eye test:
You do not need to wait for your child to report a problem. Children may assume that the way they see is normal, particularly if their vision has changed gradually or one eye sees more clearly than the other.
Signs that your child may need an eye test sooner include:
These signs do not necessarily mean that your child needs glasses, but an eye test can provide reassurance and identify whether additional support is needed.
Children’s glasses need to keep up with busy days at school, playtime, sports and everything in between. Frames should be lightweight but strong enough to withstand the occasional bump, drop or journey at the bottom of a school bag.
The lenses also need to be suitable for an active lifestyle. Impact-resistant lens materials, such as polycarbonate, may be recommended for children because they are lightweight and less likely to break than some standard lens materials.
Your dispensing optician will recommend appropriate frames and lenses based on your child’s prescription, age and daily activities.
Your child may wear their glasses for many hours each day, so comfort is essential. A well-fitted pair should sit securely without pinching, slipping or leaving uncomfortable marks.
Children’s faces are not simply smaller versions of adult faces. Their nose bridges may be less developed, so the frame needs to sit correctly without sliding down or resting against their cheeks.
When checking the fit, your dispensing optician will consider:
Adjustable nose pads may work well for some children, while frames designed with smaller or lower nose bridges can provide a better fit for others.
Avoid choosing frames with the expectation that your child will “grow into them”. Glasses that are too large may slip, feel uncomfortable and prevent your child from looking through the correct part of the lenses.
Regular check-ups and adjustments are essential, as children grow quickly and glasses can easily become misaligned over time. Even small changes in fit can affect comfort and vision, so it’s important to have the frames adjusted whenever needed.
The lenses are the most important part of your child’s glasses. Your optometrist and dispensing optician will recommend the most appropriate options for their prescription and visual needs.
Depending on your child, this might include:
Children with short-sightedness may be suitable for myopia management. This uses specially designed lenses or contact lenses to help slow the progression of myopia in some children. Suitability depends on factors such as your child’s age, prescription and eye health, so a full professional assessment is essential.
Children often spend a lot of time outdoors, so protecting their eyes from ultraviolet light is important throughout the year, not only during summer.
Clear prescription lenses can include UV protection, while children’s prescription sunglasses can provide added comfort in bright conditions. Look for sunglasses that provide appropriate UV protection rather than choosing them based on how dark the lenses appear.
A darker tint alone does not necessarily provide better UV protection. Your dispensing optician can help you choose safe, good-quality lenses for outdoor use.
Children are more likely to wear their glasses consistently when they feel happy and confident in them.
Let your child get involved in choosing their frames. Colour, shape and small design details can help their glasses feel like an expression of their personality rather than something they simply have to wear.
There is now a wide choice of children’s eyewear, from bright and playful frames to subtle, classic styles. Brands such as Ray-Ban and Ted Baker also offer popular designs created in sizes suitable for younger faces.
The best frame will balance your child’s preferred style with the right fit, comfort and suitability for their prescription.
A spare pair can be useful, particularly if your child wears their glasses throughout the day. Glasses can occasionally be lost, damaged or left at school, and having a second pair means your child does not need to manage without clear vision while replacements or repairs are arranged.
A second pair could also be chosen for a different purpose, such as prescription sunglasses or a more secure frame for sports and active hobbies.
A few simple habits can help keep children’s glasses in good condition:
Children’s frames may need adjusting as they grow or after everyday wear. Professional adjustments can help restore a comfortable, secure fit and should be carried out by your optician rather than attempted at home. A well-fitting pair of glasses is essential for clear, comfortable vision. We recommend regular check-ups with your optician to keep the fit just right as your child grows.
NHS-funded sight tests are available for children under 16 and for young people under 19 who are in full-time education.
Some children may also qualify for an NHS optical voucher towards the cost of their glasses. The amount available depends on their prescription and eligibility. Our team can explain what support is available and whether there may be any additional costs for the frames or lenses you choose.
At Leightons, we take time to understand your child’s vision, lifestyle and personality.
Our experienced team will help you find glasses that fit properly, feel comfortable and are suitable for your child’s prescription and favourite activities. We will also make sure your child feels involved in the decision, helping them leave with a pair they are excited to wear.
Book your child’s eye test online, call us on 0800 40 20 20, or visit your local Leightons practice.
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