retrospectives

Focus on Kids

A timeless topic from June 1994

In this special kids' issue, ECPs offer everything from fitting tips to business-building strategies for growing their tot and pre-teen patient population.

RGP LENSES

“Fitters can always use a larger diameter lens for active kids to minimize the chances of lens loss.”

—Ed Bennett, OD, RGP Lens Institute

WHY SO YOUNG

“Last year, the AOA changed its recommended age for a child's first eye exam from three years to six months. The change was motivated by new diagnostic techniques and new information indicating some problems are better treated earlier.”

—Charlotte Rancilio, American Optometric Association, St. Louis

KID LEVEL

“I always get on their level, whether that means sitting them on a stool, or with very little ones, getting right down on the floor with them. This establishes a relationship.”

—Cindy Elkin, Showcase Eyewear, Falls Church, Va.

CONTACT LENSES

“Of the 23 million contact lens wearers, 14.3 percent are under the age of 17.”

—Health Products Research, Somerset, N.J.

FITTING TIPS

“Children have virtually no bridge structure, so it's important to choose a frame with a bridge that fits. The frame must be of sufficient depth to keep the child from peeking over the glasses.”

—Katheryn Dabbs Schramm, A Child's View, Huntington Beach, Calif.

TEEN BUYING

“My frame boards are set up like glass book shelves. Teens are made to feel like they've been part of a major adult decision.”

—Julie Hughes, Anaheim Hills Optometric, Anaheim Hills, Calif.

EARLY EXAM

“All children should have their first eye exam by six months because there are some problems, such as amblyopia, that are completely curable before age two.”

—Andrea Thau, OD, New York, N.Y.

BRIDGE FIT

“Tiny children are always looking up anyway, so, if the glasses are falling down and the eye is not well centered, they will not get the benefit of the Rx.”

—Gwen Stevenson, Children's Carousel of Frames, Orlando, Fla.

RECEPTION

“Making kids feel comfortable has to begin at the front desk.”

—Richard Clompus, OD, Clompus and Reto Vision Associates, West Chester, Pa.

WHITE COATS

“When patients enter, they see a colorful office with a drawing board, fish tank, swing, and no white coats.”

—Joyce Takahashi, OD, The Ann Arbor Clinic for Vision Enhancement, Ann Arbor, Mich.