FIX AND FIT
The Parent Traps
by Alex Yoho, ABOM

Today's parents grew up in that time when eyewear on a child was thought of as training wheels for the pocket protector crowd. As a result, eyecare professionals have to hold the parents' hands through the process of finding the perfect pair of eyewear for their little ones.

This can be tough because many parents want it all: Frames must be durable, and nice looking, and, of course, they don't want to pay an arm and a leg for them. We also need to meet the child's needs from a functional aspect.

Shown: Princess by Disney style Sweetheart from Marchon

IN THE THICK OF IT

Often a child will require eyewear for accommodative convergence issues which require thick, high powered plus lenses and bifocals. It's a good idea to inform the parents exactly how thick the lenses will be.

Always offer the best lens options possible. Parents usually strike a balance between expense and cosmetics. I generally leave it to the parents to decide how much they want to spend on the actual lenses. Start by presenting the best options possible and let them make their own decisions.

Some parents who you may think wouldn't have the means will purchase high-index aspheric lenses with an anti-reflection coating for a fairly low power.

Then, there are the bargain-hunters who think they should get a designer frame and premium lenses for $12.95.

COSMETIC APPEAL

Creating a well-designed, well-fitting frame for children involves many ingredients.

Lenses: Keeping lenses small is an important trick. This is easily done with child-sized frames, however, parents have sometimes been told that the endpieces of the eyewear should be even with the sides of the head. 

It is OK to do this, but you will sacrifice thinness in the lenses. Don't be afraid to tell the parents it's OK to leave them smaller and keep lenses thin. With a slight spreading and curvature in the temples, you'll find it easy to fit anyone.

Temples: There are actually kids out there who do quite well without spring temples, but I have yet to meet a parent that will not demand them. Just do it. They do make good shock absorbers.

Nosepads: There is a nosepad adjustment that can be used on almost all children. With a standard European style nosepad arm, pull the top of the pad toward the patient so that the vertical angle of the nosepad follows at the same angle as the nose. Next, splay the pads so that the surface of the pad is facing almost straight back toward the patient.

The nosepads should now rest nicely on what little bridge there is on the nose. If the nosepads rest too close to the corner of the eye, you may need to narrow pads closer together. If, conversely, the nosepads are too close together and show from behind the frame, then you can widen them out a bit.

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

By this time you've probably done just about everything you can do to make beautiful eyewear. The parents, however, will pick them apart and they will be back, and maybe back again.

It's usually because the frames are slipping down that cute little button nose. This is relatively easy to correct, but not without the parents giving you a lot of grief for not seeing to this problem initially.

This is why you should always remember to mention that you may need to add cable maker temple-tips at the time of delivery.

Keeping these little tidbits in mind should help you navigate the treacherous waters that are a child's parents. It's really not that bad. Especially if you smile.

E-mail comments or questions to ayoho@cox.net