A new Australian company is importing spec frames specifically designed and manufactured for children with Down Syndrome.
Queensland couple Gavin and Rachel Leslie established Respecs to import the ‘Erin’s World’ range of frames.
When looking for glasses for their daughter Imogen, the Leslies became frustrated with ill-fitting frames that were too big, sat too low and always needed an elastic band to keep them in place.
They researched the options and discovered a US manufactured range of glasses that have been purpose designed for children with Down Syndrome.
When looking for glasses for their daughter Imogen, the Leslies became frustrated with ill-fitting frames that were too big, sat too low and always needed an elastic band to keep them in place
Mr. Leslie says that children with Down Syndrome typically have flatter, narrower faces and not much of a bridge.
“The big problem is their glasses slide down their face,” said Mr. Leslie.
“They’re always looking over the top of the glasses, and they push them up. A strap is usually used to help keep the glasses in place, but Imogen found the straps uncomfortable – they made the nose pads dig into her.”
Erin’s World glasses are designed with narrower, slightly shorter temples and with lower bridges to help them sit properly on children’s faces.
Mr. Leslie says the result is that the glasses don’t slip down the bridge of the nose as easily, and they sit up higher so the child isn’t always peering over the top of the frames.
Additionally, they look better because they are not too wide for the face.
And the results for Imogen ?
“She doesn’t take them off or complain about them all the time…. she can put them on and off on her own… and she doesn’t notice them as much. Even if the glasses slip down, Imogen can still look through the lens,” said Mr. Leslie.
Erin’s World glasses fit children from around the age of three up to young adults.They are available in a range of shapes and colours, in lightweight, flexible titanium and plastic.
For information, phone (AUS) 0417 441 844 or visit www.facebook.com/pages/ Respecs/189295557788872
