A Parent’s Guide to Kids Eyeglasses in Calgary
When it comes to finding the right kids eyeglasses in Calgary, parents often have many questions. It can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect pair of glasses and trying to teach your young child how to care for them. Luckily, at Carrington Optometry, we’re here to help! With our expertise in pediatric eyewear and commitment to eye health, you can feel confident that your child’s vision is in great hands.
Whether you’re buying your child’s first pair of glasses or updating an existing prescription, this guide provides practical advice, tips, and valuable resources to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Why Proper Eyewear is Crucial for Kids
Vision plays a vital role in a child’s development, impacting their ability to learn, play, and interact with the world around them. In fact, according to the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), a large portion of classroom learning is visual, making regular eye exams and the proper eyewear essential for academic success (CAO, 2024).
Kids often don’t realize when their vision is blurry, so scheduling routine checkups is essential (AOA, 2022). With Alberta’s Eye See… Eye Learn™ program, children in kindergarten can receive a free pair of kids eyeglasses in Calgary if needed. Learn more about how this program can support your child’s vision here.
Choosing the Right Kids Eyeglasses in Calgary
Finding the perfect pair of kids eyeglasses in Calgary for your child involves more than just picking a trendy frame. Here are four things we think you should consider when selecting your child’s glasses:
1. Durability and Comfort
Kids can be rough on their belongings, so durability is key. Look for frames made from sturdy materials like titanium (All About Vision, 2019a) or frames with increased flexibility. To ensure ultimate comfort for your child, ensure frames are not pinching the nose or ears.
2. Lens Features
Children’s lenses should be impact-resistant to withstand daily wear and tear. Trivex lenses are an excellent choice—they’re lightweight, shatterproof, and provide built-in UV protection (All About Vision, 2019b). Did you know you can add an anti-scratch coating that can also help extend the life of the glasses? Our lenses have special warranties that can save you money in the long run.
3. Style and Fit
Kids are more likely to wear glasses they love, so you should include your child in choosing a pair that reflects their personality! Carrington Optometry offers a variety of frames from trusted brands like Ray-Ban, db4K and Nano. Explore our collection here.
4. Proper Measurements
Proper fit is essential. Glasses should sit snugly on their face without slipping. Don’t worry; your Carrington optician will adjust the frames appropriately!
Helping Kids Care for Their Glasses
Teaching your child to care for their glasses protects your investment and helps them develop responsibility. Check out our tips for helping your kids care for their new glasses:
Tip 1: Create a Routine
Show your child how to clean their glasses daily with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner. Emphasize the importance of using both hands to remove their glasses to avoid bending the frames. Every morning, after they brush their teeth, get them to give their glasses a quick cleaning. Eventually, this will become a habit.
Tip 2: Setup a Safe Storage Spot
Please encourage your child always to keep their glasses in their case when not wearing them. Establishing a specific place at home for the case can prevent accidental damage or loss. Also, make sure you send a case to school with them so they can continue to care for their glasses, even when you are not around.
Tip 3: Make It Fun
Consider fun stickers or small rewards for consistent care. Setting up a reward chart, where they check off every time they have cleaned their glasses, is a great way to develop this routine, and they will feel a sense of responsibility and accomplishment every time they can add a checkmark to the chart! This positive reinforcement can make the routine enjoyable and engaging.
How to Help Kids Love Their Glasses
Once your child knows how to care for their glasses, they must learn to love them. Adjusting to glasses usually takes time, especially for younger children.
Here are some tips to ensure your child feels confident in their new look:
- Choose Frames They Love — At Carrington Optometry, you and your child can choose from a wide variety of brands and styles. Kids are more likely to love their glasses if they match their personality and style!
- Lead by Example — If you or other family members wear glasses, share your own positive experiences. Normalize glasses as a cool accessory!
- Highlight Glasses in Media — Point out characters in books, movies, or TV shows who wear glasses and celebrate how they make them unique. Harry Potter is an icon for kids who wear glasses! Representation matters, especially for children.
The Benefits of Eye See… Eye Learn™
Have you heard about Alberta’s Eye See… Eye Learn™ program? It was established to ensure that all kindergarten children could access eyeglasses for FREE. This initiative is a fantastic way to start your child’s school journey.
Carrington Optometry proudly participates in Eye See… Eye Learn™, making eye care accessible to families in Calgary. Learn more about the program and how to get started.
Book an Appointment Today!
At Carrington Optometry, we’re committed to your child’s eye health and comfort. Our experienced team is here to help with your child’s eye care needs, whether it’s a regular checkup for their first pair of glasses or a routine eye exam. Please book an appointment with us today to see how we can help you set your child up for success with their kids eyeglasses in Calgary.
References
- All About Vision. (2019a, February 27). Eyeglass frame materials: Pros and cons of different types of eyeglass frames. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/eyeglass_frame_materials.htm
- All About Vision. (2019b, February 27). Polycarbonate lenses for kids: The best choice for children’s glasses. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutvision.com/parents/polycarb.htm
- Canadian Association of Optometrists. (2024). Children’s Vision Month. Retrieved from https://opto.ca/childrens-vision-month-0
- American Optometric Association. (2022). Keeping children’s vision in focus. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/public-health/keeping-childrens-vision-in-focus?sso=y