It can be difficult to get children to wear their glasses. Many children may not want to wear glasses, and the change can be scary or worrying for them for a number of reasons. Read on to discover helpful tips and guidance on getting your child to wear their glasses.
Why do children need glasses?
Most children who need to wear glasses are either long-sighted or short-sighted. Wearing glasses can help children focus better on their schoolwork and let them enjoy their hobbies to the fullest.
If you think your child might need glasses, there are some common signs to look for:
- Straining their eyes or tilting their head to see better
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Losing their place while reading or using their finger as a guide
- Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
- Consistently sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
- Avoiding activities which require near vision, such as reading or homework
- Avoiding activities which require distance vision, such as participating in sports or other recreational activities
- Closing one eye to read, watch TV or see better
- Avoiding using a computer or tablet because it hurts their eyes
If you think your child needs glasses, book a children’s eye test at your local Specsavers store. The NHS will cover the full cost of an eye test for all children under the age of 16. Those under 19 and in full-time education are also entitled to a free NHS eye test.
Why might some children not like glasses?
Needing glasses can be a big change for a child, so it’s only natural that they may not like the idea of the change that comes with getting used to wearing glasses. Wearing glasses can impact a child’s self-confidence, they may not find glasses comfortable at the start.
It is also normal for kids to feel a bit reluctant to wear glasses, and in most cases, it’s all about how their glasses look. Here at Specsavers, we want to empower children to enjoy wearing glasses, so we make sure their glasses are a comfortable fit and are here to help kids choose glasses themselves so they feel as confident as possible with their new frames.
Some children may also feel anxious about maybe needing glasses, particularly before they have their eye test. It can be an unfamiliar and therefore worrying environment but rest assured that our Specsavers team are there to help your child through it, watch our video below to see how you can help your child prepare for their eye test.
How to get your child to wear glasses
If your child needs glasses, they may not want to wear them at first. We have some helpful tips and ideas to help you get your child to wear their glasses as often as they need.
Listen to their worries
Wearing glasses can take some adjusting to; your child might be worried about the change to their appearance. Having a conversation with your child about their concerns is a great way of getting to the bottom of why they might not want to wear glasses.
You could also try reading them a book about a child or character with glasses to ease their worries, the character may give them someone familiar to relate to. We also have a fun downloadable activity book all about eyes for your child to enjoy.
Explain why they need glasses
Your child may be wondering why they need glasses, so it’s important to let them know.
During your child’s eye test, we’ll use a range of specially designed charts that allow children to recognise shapes or pictures rather than traditional charts.
After their eye test, we’ll explain to both of you any issues with their sight or overall eye health, but we understand that your child might have some questions later on. Explaining why your child needs glasses in terms that they’ll understand will encourage them to wear them as often as they have been prescribed. After all, we want their eyes to be as healthy as possible, and glasses are medicine for the eyes.
Show them they’re not alone
If you already wear glasses, your child can be shown that wearing glasses is a common thing. Using their friends and other family members who wear glasses as role models can also be a big help to show your child that they aren’t the odd one out. Choosing favourite characters or celebrity role models can also help, seeing someone famous who wears glasses may encourage them to wear their own pair.
Ensure their glasses fit
It’s important that your child’s glasses fit them properly. At Specsavers, we ensure that your child’s glasses are the perfect fit for them. Once they’ve chosen their frames, we’ll sit with them as they try them on to make sure they aren’t too big or too small. Our range of children’s glasses aren’t just smaller versions of adults’ glasses, they’re designed with a lower bridge, narrower width, shorter arms, larger lugs and higher placed nose pads to ensure they look and feel great on your child.
Consider letting your child choose their glasses
Letting your child choose their glasses themselves may encourage them to enjoy wearing them. Even from a young age, children know what they do and don’t like, so choosing glasses they like is a great way to help get them to wear their frames.
Our team has curated a wide range of children’s glasses styles for them to choose from, whether they like classic and stylish Ted Baker glasses or fun and playful Minecraft glasses. Like this pair of Minecraft frames is ideal for your young gamer; their green detailing adds the perfect fun touch.
Praise and reward good behaviour
Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage your child to wear glasses. Praising or complimenting your child when they are wearing them could increase the likelihood of them wearing them as often as they need. You could also try giving your child an incentive to wear their glasses, for example, a sweet treat, screen time, a new toy, or a book.
Discover our range of children’s glasses
When your child is choosing their glasses (with a little help from you and our dispensing experts), they’ll have a wide range of different frames to pick from. For little fashionistas, we have trendy glasses from Barbour or Ted Baker, for franchise fans, we have frames from their favourite films and games including Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter or Minecraft and for the littlest ones we have glasses based on their most-loved characters from Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig and My Little Pony.
Childrens' glasses brands
