Contact lenses for children

At Leightons, we understand how important your child’s vision is for their learning, play, and overall well-being. Contact lenses can be an excellent option for children, providing them with clear sight and the freedom to explore the world without the constraints of glasses. Whether for sports, social confidence, or managing conditions like myopia, our expert team is here to guide you and your child through every step, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience with contact lenses.

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Benefits of contact lenses for kids

  • Contact lenses offer greater freedom of movement, making them ideal for children who enjoy sports or physical activities. Unlike glasses, they won’t slip, fog up, or risk breaking during play, providing uninterrupted comfort throughout the day.
  • Contact lenses also offer a full field of vision, free from the frames and edges of glasses. This can improve visual clarity, particularly for peripheral vision, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable.
  • Many children feel more confident without glasses, especially in social settings. Contact lenses can boost self-esteem, helping them feel more at ease and self-assured.
A young man with pink hair wears stylish glasses and a knit sweater.

At what age can children wear contact lenses?

There is no set age for when a child can start wearing contact lenses; it depends on their individual maturity and needs. Contact lenses can be beneficial for some very young children, while for others, it may be better to wait until their teenage years.

The key factor is your child’s ability to manage the responsibility of caring for their lenses. Contact lenses require proper hygiene and consistent care, and children who demonstrate these habits are often good candidates.

At Leightons, we assess each child on an individual basis, taking into account their vision requirements, lifestyle, and readiness. Our experienced team will help you determine whether contact lenses are the right choice for your child and provide full guidance on their safe use.

young girl getting ready to put contact lens in, in front of a mirror

Myopia lenses for children

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children, and managing it early is crucial for preventing its progression and protecting long-term eye health. At Leightons, we offer Myopia Management for Children, which includes specialised myopia control contact lenses designed to slow the development of short-sightedness.

These myopia lenses are specifically designed to control the progression of myopia, rather than just correcting vision. They can help reduce the risk of your child’s prescription worsening over time, which could lead to higher levels of myopia and an increased risk of other eye conditions in the future.

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How can I get contact lenses for my kid?

1

Comprehensive Eye Examination

The journey begins with an initial consultation with one of our experienced optometrists. A thorough eye test will be conducted to ensure your child’s prescription is accurate and up-to-date. During this session, we’ll assess your child’s vision needs and overall eye health.

2

Lens Selection

If contact lenses are a suitable option, the optometrist will assess your child’s readiness to wear them and take precise eye measurements to ensure the lenses fit properly and comfortably. Based on your child’s needs, we’ll recommend the best type of contact lenses, whether they require daily disposables, reusable lenses, or specialised lenses for managing myopia.

3

Fitting Appointment

Following the eye test, you may need to book a Contact Lens Fitting appointment. During this appointment, we’ll take the time to teach both you and your child how to insert, remove, and care for the lenses properly. We offer clear, hands-on guidance to ensure everyone feels confident with the new routine.

4

Ongoing Support and Aftercare

We’ll schedule a fitting review to ensure the lenses remain comfortable and that your child is enjoying clear vision. Our team will continue to offer support and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your child’s contact lens experience is safe and effective.

Contact lens services at Leightons

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Contact lens consultation

If you're interested in trying contact lenses for the first time, we recommend booking a contact lens consultation at your nearest branch. Our opticians will guide you through the process, discuss your options, ensure a successful transition to contact lens wear.

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Contact lens subscription

For your convenience, we offer an online contact lens subscription service: the Leightons Ordering Hub. It allows you to reorder your contact lenses and consumables, or even adjust your Direct Debit payments, all at your convenience.

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Recycling contact lenses

Leightons now offers recycling collections points in all branches for contact lenses and their packaging. Soft disposable contact lenses (any brand) and contact lens blister packaging and foil (any brand) are accepted. Simply drop these items into the designated bins.

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Book an appointment

Booking an appointment is easy - choose a time that works for you with our simple online system. Prefer to speak to someone? Call us on 0800 40 20 20 (lines open Mon–Sat, 8.30am – 5pm).

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Find your nearest branch

Whether you need expert optical or hearing care, our friendly teams are here to help. With 36 branches across the South of England, finding your local Leightons is just a click away with our branch finder.

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FAQs

We offer various types of contact lenses suitable for children, including daily disposables, two-week lenses, and monthly lenses. The best option will depend on your child's lifestyle, eye health, and personal preferences. Our optometrists will work with you to choose the most suitable type for your child.

Both contact lenses and glasses offer unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your child's needs and lifestyle. Glasses are convenient, cost-effective, and protective, requiring no daily maintenance, and they come in a variety of styles to suit your child’s personality.

On the other hand, contact lenses are ideal for sports and active play, providing a wider field of vision, reduced risk of breakage, and enhanced confidence by going glasses-free. They also offer additional benefits like UV protection and, in some cases, myopia control.

Many families find that a combination of both works best, with glasses for everyday use and contact lenses for activities or special occasions. At Leightons, our team is here to help you choose the best option for your child.

There is no set minimum age for contact lenses. It depends on the child's maturity, eye health, and ability to follow hygiene routines.

If your child does start wearing contact lenses, daily disposable lenses can be a great option. They are more convenient for children as they don’t require cleaning or storage every evening.

We provide thorough training on how to insert and remove contact lenses. Here’s a simple guide:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Place the lens on the tip of your index finger.
  • Use the other hand to hold the upper eyelid.
  • Look ahead and gently place the lens on your eye.
  • Slowly look down to position the lens correctly.
  • Close your eye for a moment.
  • Blink a few times to centre the lens.

Our team will ensure your child is comfortable with this process before taking the lenses home.

The best contact lenses for kids depend on their individual needs. Daily disposables are often recommended for their convenience and hygiene benefits. For children with myopia, specialised lenses designed to slow progression may be suggested. During your child's consultation, our optometrists will recommend options tailored to their vision requirements and lifestyle.