Dispensing to children holds great responsibility. As Virgilia Readett explains, fitting kids is not just dispensing aids for their vision, but providing them with interventions to support their visual, academic, and social development.
To set up the dispense and the children’s wearing experience for success, tailored and thoughtful frame selection is needed. Various factors need to be considered for an ideal frame choice.
Frame Design
Children are not small adults. Their facial features are still developing; hence different considerations are required when it comes to frame design and features.
Anatomically, children’s noses are flatter, with an underdeveloped bridge. To ensure optimal fit and positioning, children’s frames should have a lower crest, larger frontal angle, and larger splay.
Dr Alicia Thompson, Research Director at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), explained, “A small adult frame will have incorrect parameters for a child, often with the bridge set too high and too narrow in width. This results in a lack of contact around the bearing surface, causing the frame to slide forward until it finds some anchorage, often at the nasal bulb (regardless of side length) and the child will end up looking over the top rim of the frame.”
Fiona Anderson, a dispensing optician and the Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) in the United Kingdom, said frames typically rest very low on children “as the bridge of their nose is not properly formed until around puberty”.
“Typically, a well-fitting frame will have the bridge and lugs running along the horizontal centre line to enable the frame to sit up and for the child to be able to look through the lenses rather than over them.”
Children’s frames come with a range of bridge options to meet optimal fit and comfort needs. For example, built up nose pads or adjustable silicone insert bridges on both plastic and metal frames will meet the anatomical needs of children’s flatter noses and underdeveloped bridges.
Frame Size
For the intended prescription intervention to be its most effective, children need a suitable optical appliance for their current size. The width of the frame, for example, should match the width of the child’s face. If too big, the frame will be less stable in terms of fit, with unnecessary extra thickness and weight. As well, optical aberrations may be present in the lens.
Children have relatively small heads compared to adults, necessitating a shorter temple length to bend. Many children’s frames come with temple tips that can be tailored by shortening, which avoids an excessive angle down behind the root of the ear.
Dr Thompson emphasised the importance of well-fitted frames, “if the fundamental fit is incorrect, the prescription will not be as intended, or the desired intervention is not maximised at such a critical time in a child’s development”.
Frame Materials
Children are discovering and experimenting with their world and the items in it. This can mean that they tend to be rougher on themselves, others, their belongings, and the belongings of others. Glasses are no exception.
There will be accidents – whether this is due to general handling, tumbles and falls, or from other children in the playground. By proactively recommending sturdy, durable, and perhaps flexible frame materials, eye care professionals assist with the longevity of the frames. Fewer breakages mean more time for the frame to be worn on the face, and more time for the prescription intervention to be maximised.
Lana Arnold, co-founder of augie Eyewear, said all children’s frames in its range are made from acetate, “which is lightweight and available in interesting colours that appeal to kids”.
“Acetate is also great as it keeps its integrity and won’t lose its shape, unlike flexi frames. We’re loved for our silicone tip temples, these make wearing glasses more comfortable and can be adjusted by hand, by a dispenser, parent, or the wearer.”
Titanium frames are strong and lightweight – providing the benefit of comfort and resistance to breakage. However, they may not be suitable for very young children and babies due to the risk of injury from the dense hard surface and points.
Lens Consideration
Durability, safety, and comfort are not only considerations to make during frame selection, but in lens selection also. The ideal lens material for children’s spectacles must be suitable for their prescription requirements, while being impact resistant, thin, and light to ensure comfort, and have ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection.
Every child is different, but if we consider the general day-to-day activities of the average child, the argument for impact resistant lenses is strong. Of all the spectacle lens materials available in the current market, polycarbonate and Trivex lenses offer the highest level of impact resistance. Both materials meet the UV400 standards for UV protection without needing additional UV coatings.
While not the highest level of impact resistance, CR-39 still boasts good impact resistance and, with a UV coating, will meet the standards for UV400.
High-index plastics provide options to reduce thickness, and therefore weight, due to their high refractive index (density). High-index plastic categories have a higher impact resistance than CR-39.
Options are numerous for children’s sun protection depending on their lifestyle, age, and prescription needs. For convenience and a proactive approach, photochromic lenses are an ideal option for children. UV filters with sun tints or polarising filters can also be used, and are ideal when dedicated indoor and outdoor pairs are being dispensed.
As with dispensing to adults, children should be treated as individuals and dispensed what is appropriate for them. This is also true for antireflective and multicoatings. Consider their age, their disposition, and the primary activities they will be involved in when wearing their glasses. For some children, it will be appropriate to omit these coatings due to the risk of damage and the maintenance required. For others the lifestyle benefits will outweigh these risks.
Working with Families for Success
The success of the dispense starts with the dispenser. As a species we ‘co-regulate’. The mood and approach of the dispenser will make an impact on the child as well as their parent or caregiver. If you are relaxed this will rub off on your clients.
Talking to the child throughout the process will bring them on board from the beginning – increasing their compliance to wear the glasses. Explaining in language they will understand about what will be happening next, and what you are doing as you do it, will help them feel at ease.
Throughout the dispensing process, we need to ensure we are communicating with the parent or guardian also. We need to consider and balance their preferences and concerns with those of the child’s. A discussion prior to frame selection with the parent or guardian can help to navigate competing preferences between theirs and the child. This could involve explaining the importance of finding a frame that fits well, is comfortable, and will meet the needs of the prescription.
Given the specific fitting requirement for children’s frames, the best approach is to first consider the child’s face and prescription, and then to narrow the selection, showing only the frames that will fit and be suitable. This avoids having to recommend against pairs that do not fit well – a step that can be emotionally heightened if the child has taken a liking to the frame. For these reasons it is also important to stay with the family during the frame-selection process to guide their choice of frames. Ms Anderson’s advice for optical dispensers is to “Take a really good look at the child’s face, assess their crest, projection, head and temple width, and bring a selection that will fit them. Then you can, with some confidence, let them select from this selection and you know you will do a better job as their spectacles will be fit for purpose.”
Glasses are a big deal – especially for children. The collection should be a special occasion, with adequate time for careful adjustments and explanation of care for the glasses. Children may be less likely to voice if a frame is uncomfortable – instead they may not wear them or wear them incorrectly. This step, therefore, is of utmost importance.
Contact Lens Options
Compliance to correct wear and for the appropriate time is of vital importance.
This can be achieved by considering contact lens options also.
Like adults, children are individuals, who will have different preferences, maturity, ability, and motivations to try contact lenses.
Daily disposable contact lenses, such as MiSight1 day (CooperVision), offer options for myopia management while providing a convenient option with low maintenance for children who want a break from their glasses.
Various daily disposable options are available for hyperopic prescriptions also, such as Acuvue Oasys 1-Day (Johnson & Johnson). For high ametropic hyperopic prescriptions, contact lenses provide a convenient option to go glasses free, while also providing a wider field of view than spectacles. This is hugely beneficial for sporting activities for kids.
The most suitable contact lens option will be individualised to the child’s needs based on their prescription, age, lifestyle, and ability to comply with handling requirements. Depending on their prescription, daily contact lenses may not be available, which may lead to the need for fortnightly or monthly lenses.
Contact lenses provide safe and effective visual correction for children, as long as they comply with lens handling instructions. This makes the contact lens teach – for both parents and the child – imperative. Regularly checking in to ensure appropriate contact lens hygiene is being maintained is also important.
It’s All In the Set-Up
First impressions count – for children as well. We need to build strong connections with a positive experience during the frame selection, dispense, collection and during contact lenses teaches. This will aid in compliance – and compliance is key to ensure the desired impact of the prescription. Have a look at the frame and lens options for children in the following pages.
Virgilia Readett is a Senior Trainer with the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD). She holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Communications.
Ms Readett has been in optics since 2012 and has been teaching with ACOD since 2019.
Frames for Growing Faces
Polaroid Eyewear
Polaroid Eyewear ensures a wide product offer of both sunglasses and optical frames covering different age ranges.
Its Kids Collection is a mix of fun colours, playful designs, and eye care for your youngest patients.
The collection is meticulously designed to provide comfort and safety, as well as UV and shock protection. It ensures that children’s eyes always remain safe, allowing them to freely enjoy their world of colours.
Contact: Safilo Australia (AUS) 1800 252 016 or visit safilo.com.au.
Ugly Fish
Ugly Fish has a wide range of Rx-able sunglass options available for toddlers and kids aged one to 11 years old.
The range features polarised lenses to prevent squinting and enhance colour and visual clarity; maximum UV protection (category 3); and strong but flexible TPEE (thermoplastic polyester elastomer) frames, making them virtually indestructible.
Choose from a range of great value frame and lens packages, available to order through lab partners Rodenstock, Essilor, HOYA, and OSA.
Contact: Piranha Eyewear (AUS) 1300 369 574 or sales@piranhaeyewear.com.
Fila
Designed for comfort; built for confidence. Fila’s Junior eyewear range is designed with younger wearers in mind, featuring petite sizing, flexible hinges, and comfortable air-pad temple tips for an easy, secure fit.
Both the Fila and Police Junior collections are also backed by an unconditional warranty, providing added peace of mind for both practices and patients.
Contact: De Rigo (AUS) 02 9428 1500 or visit derigo.com
augie Eyewear
augie Eyewear believes every kid deserves a positive eyewear experience and augie delivers with its colourful, glittery eyewear.
Minimalist designs and maximum comfort: augie provides functional frames with cold-adjustable silicone tips, repairable OBE hinges, and myopia-friendly shapes. Available in sizes to suit kids from age four up to teens.
Contact: augie Eyewear (AUS) 1300 391 440 or hello@augieeyewear.com.au
LIPO Aster 2.0
LIPO Aster 2.0 is smart eyewear designed to help understand children’s visual habits. It automatically tracks daily wear time, ambient light, posture, close-up eye use, and time spent outdoors – without extra effort from children or parents. Transforming everyday eyewear into meaningful data, LIPO Aster 2.0 helps support better myopia management and healthier visual habits.
Contact: Asia Contacts 1 (AUS) 0413 243 782 or visit asiacontacts1.com
Instyle Kids
Instyle Kids offers a fashionable and fun frame range designed to meet the unique needs of every child, combining affordability, comfort, and safety without compromising on style.
Made from lightweight, child-friendly materials, these frames are designed for lasting comfort and durability, making them perfect for everyday wear and active young lifestyles.
Contact: Opticare (AUS) 1800 251 852
Milo & Me
Lenses for Developing Eyes
Acuvue Abiliti 1-Day
Acuvue Abiliti 1-Day soft therapeutic lenses for myopia management are powered by novel RingBoost technology, a specialised optical design that includes two +7.00 D ring focus myopia treatment zones, combined with a +10.00 D central boost myopia treatment zone, to provide strong myopia treatment while maintaining vision quality.1
Over a three-year period, 55% of all children’s eyes fitted with Acuvue Abiliti 1-Day showed no clinically meaningful myopia progression,*2 and the lens was shown to reduce axial elongation by 0.31 mm, on average.^2
Abiliti 1-Day has a small diameter for easy insertion and removal in the paediatric eye,†3 and is designed to provide the comfort you expect from Acuvue Oasys 1-Day contact lenses.¥4
Contact: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (AUS) 1800 736 912 or (NZ) 0800 466 173
2026PP11580
Footnotes
* Based on spherical equivalent of cycloplegic auto refraction change ≥-0.25 D, from three-year outcome of a pivotal clinical trial. JJV data on file.
^ Compared to a single vision contact lens, based on three-year outcome of a pivotal clinical trial. JJV data on file.
† Utilising a smaller lens diameter designed to fit the smaller anatomical features of a paediatric population (aged 7–12).
¥ Acuvue Abiliti 1-Day soft therapeutic lenses for myopia management are manufactured using senofilcon A, the same material used to manufacture Acuvue Oasys 1-Day contact lenses.
References
- JJV Data on File 2021. Development of optical design of Acuvue Abiliti 1-Day soft therapeutic lenses for myopia management.
- JJV Data on File.
- JJV Data on File 2021. Mechanical design of Acuvue Abiliti 1-Day soft therapeutic lenses for myopia management – effect on fit and handling.
- JJV Data on File 2021. Stand-alone performance claims – Acuvue Abiliti 1-Day soft therapeutic lenses for myopia management.
MyDay MiSight 1 day
CooperVision has expanded its myopia management portfolio with MyDay MiSight 1 day, a silicone hydrogel soft contact lens for children. It combines ActivControl technology with the MyDay material to improve oxygen transmissibility, comfort, and handling while maintaining the same optical design used in MiSight 1 day.*†,‡,§,1,2
The lens builds on the established use of MiSight 1 day, worn by over 250,000 children worldwide.3 Clinical evaluations report high fitting success and visual acuity better than 6/6 under study conditions.◊ ¶,2 The lens also includes a UV inhibitor.**
Contact: CooperVision Account Manager
Footnotes
*Proven to slow myopia progression in children compared to a single vision 1-day lens over a three-year period.
†Based on manufacturers published data. MyDay MiSight 1 day has Dk/t of 100. Compared to the original MiSight 1 day (Dk/t 28), NaturalVue Multifocal 1 Day (Dk/t 25).
‡Mean score for subjective overall comfort was 90/100 after one week of daily wear.
§ 94% vs 81% after one week of daily wear, p=NS.
◊ 100% fit acceptance with mean scores for fit acceptance (3.4/4).
¶ VA (LogMAR) > 6/6 (20/20) for both study visits (dispense and one week).
** Warning: UV-absorbing contact lenses are not substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear, such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses, because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. Patients should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed.
References
- Chamberlain P et al. Optom Vis Sci. 2019. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001410.
- CVI data on file 2024. Prospective, one-week, double-masked, randomised, bilateral crossover study with MiSight 1 day and MyDay MiSight 1 day.N=32 subjects aged 8–18 years.
- CVI data on file 2026. Internal global wearer modelling estimates for the 12-month period of March 2025 to February 2026.
Stellest 2.0
Essilor Stellest 2.0 lenses† are Essilor’s most effective myopia management spectacle lens to date.‡1 The lenses are powered by HALT* Max technology, which has higher power§ and higher efficacy.¶1 They incorporate lenslets with increased mean power and asphericity, creating twice the depth of volume of non-focused light positioned further from the retina compared to Essilor Stellest lenses.# This generates a stronger optical signal that helps further slow myopic eye growth and manage myopia progression.¶1
In a 12-month randomised clinical trial, Essilor Stellest 2.0 lenses significantly slowed axial elongation compared to Essilor Stellest lenses.§1 Eye growth in myopic children was 1.88 times slower with Essilor Stellest 2.0 lenses† than with Essilor Stellest lenses.#**
Contact: Essilor (AUS) 0447 684 145 or amy.pillay@essilor.com
Notes
* HALT is an acronym for highly aspherical lenslet target and does not imply a ‘halt’ or ‘stop’ of myopia progression.
‡ Compared to products within the Essilor® portfolio.
§ Higher power refers to the increased depth of volume of non-focused light in front of the retina – twice that of Essilor® Stellest lenses by design – and is not associated with a doubling of lens power, lenslet power, or efficacy.
¶ Based on 12-month results from a prospective, randomised, double-masked contralateral crossover clinical trial conducted in Singapore on 50 myopic children.
# Essilor Stellest lens regulatory status and product availability may vary by country. U.S. FDA authorization and indications for use are based solely on clinical trial data from the U.S.
**Based on 12-month results from a prospective, randomized, double-masked contralateral crossover clinical trial conducted in Singapore on 50 myopic children.1 The estimated cumulative 12-month axial length change (eye growth) was 0.228 mm with Essilor Stellest lenses and 0.121 mm with Essilor Stellest 2.0 lenses. The 1.88× ratio reflects the relative difference between these values (1 / [0.121 / 0.228] = 1.88).
Reference
- Raveendran RN, Ong WS, Drobe B, et al. Effect of increased power and asphericity of highly aspherical lenslets on myopia control efficacy: a contralateral crossover study. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2025;14(11):9. doi: 10.1167/tvst.14.11.9.
Alpha Ortho-K
Menicon Alpha Ortho-K is a highly customisable overnight orthokeratology lens designed to temporarily correct myopia and provide children with clear, spectacle-free vision throughout the day.
For practitioners incorporating orthokeratology into their approach to myopia management, it offers an extensive range of adjustable parameters for greater control over lens centration, treatment-zone characteristics, and overall fit.
This flexibility allows the lens design to be tailored to each child’s corneal profile, visual requirements, and clinical response, supporting comfortable wear, stable centration, and consistent visual performance.
Menicon Alpha Ortho-K is selected by practitioners seeking a more individualised orthokeratology solution for children under their care.
Contact: Menicon (AUS) 08 8277 4545 or mail@menicon.com.au
Mylo
Mylo by mark’ennovy is a monthly silicone hydrogel soft contact lens for myopia management, available in spherical and toric designs.
Mylo is an individually crafted soft contact lens designed and registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration for myopia management. It incorporates the patented extended depth of focus technology developed by the Brien Holden Vision Institute to help slow myopia progression.1
Available parameters:
- Base curve (BC): 7.10–9.80 mm, in 0.30 mm steps,
- Lens diameter (LD): 13.50–15.50 mm, in 0.50 mm steps,
- Sphere: to -15.00 D,
- Cylinder: to -8.00 D, and
- Axis: available in 1° increments.
Contact: Capricornia Contact Lens info@capcl.com.au or (AUS) 07 3208 8500
Reference
- Sankaridurg P, Bakaraju RC, Ehrmann K, et al. Myopia control with novel central and peripheral plus contact lenses and extended depth of focus contact lenses: 2 year results from a randomised clinical trial. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2019;39(4):294–307. doi: 10.1111/opo.12621.
MyoMe and MyoStock
As myopia rates continue to rise, CR Labs offers independent optometry practices two innovative solutions to support myopia management.
MyoMe utilises Myo-Freeform technology, combining peripheral treatment zones and near vision support to help manage childhood myopia while maintaining clear, comfortable vision. A clinical trial has demonstrated a 39% reduction in axial elongation.1
MyoStock uses hexagon implicated defocus segments (HIDS) technology to create myopic defocus across the lens. Designed to offer myopia management at a competitive price point, MyoStock provides an accessible option for families.
Together, MyoMe and MyoStock provide practitioners with flexible myopia management options to meet the diverse needs of children and their families.
Contact: CR Labs (AUS) 03 8795 9111 or visit crlabs.au
Reference
- Sánchez-Tena MA, Cleva JM, Alvarez-Peregrina C, et al. Effectiveness of a spectacle lens with a specific asymmetric myopic peripheral defocus: 12-month results in a Spanish population. Children. 2024;11(2):177. doi: 10.3390/children11020177.
MiyoSmart iQ
MiyoSmart iQ is HOYA Vision Care’s latest spectacle lens for childhood myopia management. In a 12-month randomised controlled trial involving myopic children aged four to 12, MiyoSmart iQ showed no myopia progression on average and minimal eye growth.
Built on proven DIMS technology, its triple-enhanced design expands treatment coverage, increases defocus power, and brings defocus segments closer to the lens centre.
Patient-centric enhancements include Spark coating for improved scratch resistance, enhanced back-side aspheric design for clearer, more comfortable vision and improved aesthetics, plus an extended power range from +2.00 D to -13.00 D.
Contact: HOYA Account Manager
MyCon
Children’s faces are constantly growing and developing, which means the way their spectacles sit can have a significant impact on lens performance. Rodenstock MyCon uses individual parameters to optimise the lens for each child’s unique facial characteristics. By considering factors such as vertex distance, frame wrap, and pantoscopic tilt, the lens can deliver improved imaging properties in the central focus area while maintaining effective myopia control in the periphery. This approach brings the same level of individualisation used in personalised lenses to myopia control, helping children experience sharp, comfortable vision while supporting the management of myopia progression.
Contact: Rodenstock Account Manager
MyoEase and MyOnic
Opticare offers two distinct myopia management lens options, allowing practitioners to select the design that best suits each child rather than relying on a single approach.
MyoEase uses micro-transparent pinholes arranged in a ring to create peripheral retinal defocus while maintaining clear central vision. MyOnic uses a freeform design with an uninterrupted central zone and simultaneous peripheral hyperopic defocus across the functional lens area. Both are available across multiple indices and material options, giving practitioners greater flexibility to consider the child’s prescription, visual needs, frame choice, and lifestyle when recommending an appropriate myopia management solution.
Contact: Opticare info@opticare.com.au or (AUS) 1800 251 852
