eye on accessories

Kidding Around

Alicia Hoglund

With summer in full swing and back-to-school shopping on the horizon, the 18 and younger crowd is once again taking center stage. And though they may be small, kids have a huge influence when it comes to making purchases.

A recent study by Nickelodeon found that 95 percent of parents in the U.S. seek their children’s opinions when buying products for them. What’s more, on shopping trips, kids’ requests for products are “frequently” granted.

The good news is that there is a seemingly endless supply of quality products in the marketplace to capture the attention of these tiny but powerful consumers.

Here, we highlight just a few of the kids’ eyewear accessories that will not only make the transition from the pool to the classroom a smooth one, but will get your young patients excited about proper care of their little peepers. A win-win, for sure. EB

1. Designed by an F-19 fighter pilot, Babiators sunglasses are available in two sizes (ages 0-3 and ages 3-7+) and offer 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB rays; 2. Kids’ Cases with Coordinating Cleaning Cloths by Hilco feature four vibrant-colored plastic eyewear cases with fun, animal-patterned microfiber cloths of paw prints, bumble bees, lizards, and owls; 3. Nanofilm’s Ultra Clarity Lens Care Towelette School Bus features nine pre-moistened towelettes to keep youngsters’ eyewear squeaky clean; 4. This bold, colorful Puzzle Case by Astucci takes the mystery out of proper eyewear care, offering kids and tweens a stylish way to protect—and keep track of—their glasses; 5. Designed for kids ages three and older, Baby Banz’s Banz Swim Goggles provide 100 percent UV protection and feature an anti-fog system that prevents the lenses from fogging under all conditions and soft silicone cups to ensure maximum comfort for water-loving tots; 6. Croakies’ ARC Endless eyewear retainer is ultra-lightweight, waterproof, adjustable, and, when paired with the Croakies floating buoys, floats in the water