Glasses are usually a key part of a child’s eye condition treatment, especially if they have a squint and/or reduced vision.

Importance of well-fitting glasses

A child is more likely to wear their glasses if the frame fits well and is comfortable. 

Many of the children we see have highly complex eye prescriptions.  If their glasses do not fit properly, the effective power of their glasses lenses can be different to their prescription. This can reduce the benefit of wearing glasses.

The frame must be secure on your child’s face, centred over their pupil and sit at the correct distance from the eyeball. The frame must not slip down their nose. If the glasses slide down, your child will look over the top of the lenses and treatment will not be effective.

Suppliers of children’s glasses

UK regulations require children’s glasses to be supplied by a dispensing optician or optometrist registered with the General Optical Council. 

They can also be supplied by an unregistered practitioner, usually an optical assistant, working under the supervision of a dispensing optician or optometrist. 

NHS Vouchers

Every child is entitled to 1 voucher each year. The voucher must be used within 6 months of issue.  (The eye prescription is valid for 12 months unless otherwise stated.)

Vouchers from the hospital eye service (HES3) are given as paper copies and can be taken to any local optometry practice.

Choosing the right frame

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) advises that it is best to ask a dispensing optician to supply and fit glasses for young children with a hospital eye prescription.  They recommend the following: 

  • Facial measurements are taken first.   
  • The child is shown a selection of frames that will fit well and is only allowed to choose from this selection. (This approach can save a lot of time and disappointment.)  
  • When the glasses are collected, the dispensing optician verifies that the glasses have been made up correctly and are properly adjusted to fit the child. 

The design of children’s glasses needs to be different to adult glasses. This is because children’s facial proportions are different to adults. Young children usually have a flatter, lower and broader bridge to their nose.

There are various types of bridge and side designs available in children's frames. A dispensing optician will take into account your child’s facial features and measurements to determine the best option. Plastic frames tend to be more robust and safer for younger children.

Frame adjustments (wear and tear)

It is normal for the fit of the glasses to loosen with daily wear and they may need occasional adjustment. 

Consider using an optician close to home, who is happy to check and adjust your child’s frame whenever needed.

If you need frame adjustments or repairs, do not try to fix them yourself. Go back to the optician.  Adjustments may include:

  • glasses sliding down
  • lost nose pads
  • lenses falling out
  • bent or broken sides.

Broken or lost glasses

  • Broken or lost frames are covered under a repair/replacement voucher called a GOS4.  The optician who supplies the glasses will give you this. 
  • Every child is entitled to one repair or replacement GOS4 voucher per year.  Optician policies for repair/replacement can vary.  
  • If you buy spare pairs of glasses privately, these are not covered by the voucher system.  You will have to pay for repairs privately.
  • You do not need a new eye prescription for your child, unless the original is out of date.

Glasses that do not fit well

  • If your child’s glasses do not fit well, you do not need another voucher to get them adjusted. 
  • It is the responsibility of the optician to provide appropriate frames that fit your child correctly. 
  • If your child’s glasses do not fit well, it is best to raise concerns directly with the dispensing optician or optometrist who supplied them. 

Contact information

Kingston Hospital Royal Eye Unit

Telephone:

020 8934 6404