In the ever-evolving world of eyewear, catering to the unique vision needs of children as they grow has become a paramount concern. Enter STEPPER Kids, an innovative range of children’s eyewear that is redefining the industry with its unwavering commitment to fit, comfort, durability, style… and fun.
mivision spoke to Saskia Stepper, director of STEPPER EYEWEAR (and daughter of the brand’s founder Hans Stepper), a brand with over 50 years of experience in eyewear design and manufacture, to find out more about what makes this collection a ‘must have’ for practices with a young patient base.
STEPPER Kids stands out for its meticulous attention to fitting detail, driven by a commitment to meeting the age-related facial development of children. The collection is designed with the facial measurements generated from the empirical research of Dr Alicia Thompson, Director of Education, Research and Professional Development at the Association of British Dispensing. Using her research into fit parameters for children, STEPPER Kids prioritises superior fit complemented by lightweight materials. This blend of comfort and functionality ensures that young wearers not only enjoy wearing glasses but also receive optimal support for their visual needs.
A JOURNEY OF INNOVATION
STEPPER EYEWEAR’s entry into children’s eyewear stems from a desire to rethink paediatric frame design. With the digital era ushering in a heightened need to deliver advanced eye care solutions to meet the needs of children, the company stepped in to leverage its expertise and cater to this important market. STEPPER Kids emerged as the solution, combining decades of optical design and materials experience with a focus on children’s fitting needs.
THE STEPPER KIDS EXPERIENCE
According to Ms Stepper, what sets the collection apart is its radical approach to frame design. “Parents are drawn to the range for its exceptional comfort, durability, and stylish designs,” Ms Stepper explained. “Our lightweight and hypoallergenic frames ensure safety and comfort for all-day wear, while our adaptable temple tips accommodate rapid growth, making STEPPER Kids a practical choice. For children, the vibrant colours and fun designs instil confidence and excitement about wearing glasses, fostering a positive experience.”
DESIGN AND INNOVATION
To create STEPPER Kids, the design team brought together in-house experts with a deep understanding of optical design and children’s eyewear needs. Drawing inspiration from children’s active daily lives, these in-house designers prioritise fit, practicality, and style, incorporating elements such as screwless designs and adjustable temple tips.
MANUFACTURING AND MATERIALS
The frame production process begins with precision engineering. Advanced manufacturing techniques are employed to meticulously craft each frame, ensuring uniformity and consistency in design. In the case of STEPPER Kids, every aspect – from the curvature of the frames to the placement of temple tips – is carefully calibrated to provide an optimal fit for young wearers.
High-quality, lightweight materials not only ensure comfort for all-day wear but also contribute to the safety and durability of the frames. “We prioritise hypoallergenic materials, safeguarding the delicate skin of children and minimising the risk of irritation or discomfort,” Ms Stepper explained. For added safety, there are no metal parts.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
STEPPER EYEWEAR is also cognisant of its environmental footprint. While prioritising quality and durability, the brand seeks to minimise waste and adopt sustainable practices wherever possible. By investing in quality materials that are long lasting, Ms Stepper said, “STEPPER Kids frames embody a commitment to responsible manufacturing”.
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION
STEPPER EYEWEAR has been acknowledged by the industry for its innovative designs and high-quality products for decades and Ms Stepper believes this new children’s collection will be just as successful. With the emphasis on fit, comfort, and style, she said, “STEPPER Kids is positioned as a strong contender for future design awards, especially in the children’s category, where the team has dedicated a lot of resources to research, ensuring we have an exceptional product”.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As the industry evolves, STEPPER Kids remains committed to innovation. The brand anticipates trends that emphasise style and functionality, with lightweight, durable materials continuing to be a focal point. Future designs aim to incorporate even more innovative materials and techniques, ensuring that eyewear grows with the child. By expanding the collection to cater to infants through teenagers, STEPPER EYEWEAR seeks to remain at the forefront of children’s eye care.
STEPPER Kids is distributed by Optique Line: (AUS) 03 9853 0796.
