Blanc - Noo Eyewear
The number of teenagers requiring glasses continues to grow, particularly due to the rising incidence of myopia. Fortunately, there are a multitude of frames out there to choose from, and thanks to celebrities and influencers, teens are happy to wear them. mivision spoke to Linda Simpson from See Side Optometry in Thirroul, on the New South Wales south coast, about her experience catering to this significant sector of the market.
“In the last five years we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of teenagers wearing glasses,” Ms Simpson said adding that consequently, “about 30% of our stock is chosen with teens in mind”.
Just like adult patients, some can be fussy, and it can take them a while
She said selecting stock, then helping teens find a frame, is both fun and rewarding.
“There are so many options – from chunky frames that are really in vogue through to retro styles and fine metals, which are popular with the girls. It’s nice helping kids pick out their frames and colours.”
Despite all the options, Ms Simpson said teens are usually less adventurous than adults when choosing frames, preferring on- trend styles worn by influencers they aspire to and celebrity collections, like those created by Hailey Bieber.
“For kids who are reluctant, I find that once the optometrist has spoken to them about the difference a pair of glasses will make to their vision or their headaches, they’re onboard with the idea.
“And if they’re not, there are options that blend in rather than stand out, like crystal acetates or fine metals.”
While most young patients are easy – arriving in the practice with a frame shape or colour in mind – Ms Simpson said it’s the parents who can be more challenging.
“They might say to their child ‘that frame is too out there’. When that happens, I’ll quietly let them know the frame is in vogue and explain that the most important thing is for their teenager to like the glasses. If they like them, they will wear them.”
Give Them Time
For those who don’t feel comfortable about wearing glasses or don’t have a clear idea of the frame they want, she said it’s essential to make them feel comfortable.
“Just like adult patients, some can be fussy, and it can take them a while. Some want help the whole way – first timers, particularly, can find frame selection daunting. Others feel more comfortable being left to look and try frames on their own. I’m happy either way. If they want to be left alone, I’ll just check in on them every five minutes to see if they have any questions.
“I encourage them to try on as many frames as they want, and then help them condense their options. And I’m always honest – if I think one frame looked better than another, I’ll tell them.”
Ms Simpson said she often lets teens take home a few pairs and keep them overnight. “I think being able to try them on in their own space and show family is really helpful.”
Most importantly she says, “we don’t pressure them”.
“The other day I had a girl in who didn’t want glasses. She had problems with her self-esteem and didn’t feel she looked good in any frame. Her mother and I encouraged and reassured her, but we weren’t getting anywhere. Then I asked her if she wanted to invite a friend in to help. By chance, she had a friend close by. They soon found a pair that the patient was happy with.”
Sports Frames
The majority of teenagers will play sport at some time, and this can be an issue for those dependent on glasses.
Ms Simpson said she tries to guide teenagers towards contact lenses for sport, however for those who need to wear glasses, there are some important considerations, particularly for contact sports. For example, broken acetate frames and fragile lenses can cause serious ocular injury.
“Sports like soccer specify certified frames made from an ultra-flexible material, into which we fit polycarbonate lenses. It’s a very small part of our market and while seasonal, still important,” she said.
NYY
Inspired by the New York Yankees, the NYY collection is bold and edgy, creating a cool, relaxed look for teenagers. High quality materials are paired with current, on-trend colours and styles for looks kids want to wear. In the NYY collection, details make all the difference… touches of bright colours for youthful flare, open-work end-pieces, and the subtle but omnipresent NYY logo.
Contact: Little4Eyes (AUS) 03 9448 8932
Eco-Conscious
Eco-Conscious’s ground-breaking sustainable eyewear is manufactured from an exclusive bio-based acetate. Unapologetically fashionable, the collection offers doses of bold, on-trend colour and all frames are supplied with optical-grade biodegradable demo lenses and plastic-free, FSC-accredited, fully biodegradable packaging.
Visit: aaronseyewear.com.au
Asia Contacts 1
Asia Contacts 1 has options for teens of all ages. Lipo’s multi-patent screwless kid’s eyewear combines strength, sturdiness, and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for sports such as basketball, soccer, or footy. Both Cripin Bee and Lipo eyewear have a 33mm depth for any myopia control lenses, ensuring optimal vision for your teenage customers. For older teens looking for fashionable and trendy eyewear choose Ryan Adda.
Visit: AsiaContacts1.com
Fila
Fila has adapted its best-selling frames to fit teenagers and petite faces. Fila XS styles are available in multiple styles. (Pictured is model VFI488L).
Contact: De Rigo (AUS) 02 9428 1500
Lacoste
From school to sports, weekends away and the everyday, optical frames for kids and teens by Nike Vision and Lacoste (pictured) are easy-to-wear and made to last. Both brands feature brand logo details, stand-out colours, and a comfortable, all day fit.
Contact: Marchon Eyewear(AUS) 1800 251 025
Blanc
Blanc, the love child of the French eyewear label Nathalie Blanc, is a collection for teens and individuals with small faces who adore and crave design.
Contact: Noo Eyewear (AUS) 03 9523 1991
Bunt
Oakley Bunt OY8026 is a stylish, square frame that comes in four colours. The frame features durable and lightweight ‘O Matter’ material for all-day comfort. Ace-Fit adjustable O Matter temples enable a personalised fit.
Visit: oakley.com
Gigi Studios
Gigi Studios, an independent eyewear brand from Barcelona, presents its XS collection that is designed for teenagers and individuals with petite faces.
Contact: Noo Eyewear (AUS) 03 9523 1991
Doting
Doting (OY8026) is Oakley’s first metal frame designed for girls and teens. Made of lightweight stainless steel in a trendy, round silhouette, it has grip-fit nosepads to help provide a seamless look. Unobtainium earsocks increase grip to help keep the frame securely in place, making Doting the perfect companion for the active teen.
Visit: oakley.com
Ugly Fish
Finding perfectly fitting frames for teens is a challenge. Too big for kid’s frames, too small for adults’ frames, and full of firm ideas on the perfect style.
The Ugly Fish Teen Optics range fills a gap for many retailers. With a 50–53 eye size range, the mid-fit frames are designed to suit kids aged 11+, or small adults. The range is engineered with lightweight TR90 frames, flexible temples, moulded nose bridges, and adjustable temple tips. All frames include a signature zip hard case and microfibre pouch.
Great value teen frame and lens packages are available to order through lab partners Essilor, Hoya, and OSA.
Contact: Piranha Eyewear (AUS) 1300 369 574
Otis
Otis optical frames and sunglasses fit comfortably into your teenage patients’ lifestyle as well as their budget. With classic colours and styles that never go out of trend, this Australian lifestyle brand makes it easy for young adults to stay fashionable.
Contact: ProOptics (AUS) 02 8007 6041
Sea2See
The lightweight Olbia is part of the Sea2See series created for young people. The frame offers a classic cats eye shape made from 100% marine plastic in Italy. A wide range of colours are offered by Sea2See, including matt gradient lilac, matt blue/yellow and green stripe.
Size: 46 –15 – 128.
Visit: sea2see.org
Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
Stemming from the Spanish fashion-house’s love of colour, the Agatha Ruiz de la Prada collection is renowned for its eclectic and on trend styles for teens and petite adults. Exclusive acetates are used to manufacture a variety of shapes, patterns, colours and sizes, creating a curated range of frames which embrace individuality.
Available in sizes 44 to 52.
Contact: Little 4 Eyes (AUS) 03 9448 8932
The Elusive Miss Lou
Being a teenager is hard, they want to fit in, but they also want to figure out who they are. Everyone says you can be whatever you want, but how do you know what that is? Help your patients find out with The Elusive Miss Lou.
Contact: The Elusive Miss Lou (AUS) 0414 908 841
