It’s already August, and another summer is practically in our rear-view mirrors. That means “Back-to-School” shopping is about to kick-off, turning our local shopping centers into the kind of “nightmares” that keep me hiding under the covers late on a Sunday morning.
If you’re a parent like me, and you are in search of a new pair of eyeglasses for your kids this school year, you know that walking into an optical store can be an overwhelming and daunting experience.
There is definitely no shortage of brands, or styles available.
“So what’s the problem? This should be easy to find a good pair of glasses for your children right!?”
Not so much… We all know how picky our children can be, and seeing how rough they can be at times… How do you figure out which frames your child will be willing to wear? …And what’s going to be strong enough to stand up to the abuse my kids can administer to their belongings?
Here are a few things to consider, that I used to make my last trip to the optical store an enjoyable experience for both me and my kids, and ensured that my kids got the glasses the right glasses, that will last, and keep them feeling “cool”.
Style
We all went through grade school. We know how mean kids can be to each other. Remember how anxious you were to show off your new outfit on the first day of school? First impressions can make or break a school year.
The best tip I can offer to help you find a pair of glasses your kids will love to wear, is to let them take the driver’s seat when it comes to style. Listen to them, and have them tell you what “everyone else is wearing”. Just make sure to steer your child away from frames that may seem objectionable, too expensive or inappropriate.
Alternatively, Kids often are attracted to styles that intentionally mimic adult eyeglass frames because they look more grown-up. It’s not unusual for kids to ask for glasses that “look just like Mom’s or Dad’s”. Take the compliment, and run with it. 🙂
Keep in mind that the real goal is to get your child to feel confident and comfortable wearing their new glasses, so they wear them more and get the most they can out of their corrective power.
Material
Nowadays most kid’s frames are made of durable plastics or metals. In the past, plastic frames were always the go-to choice for kids because they were considered more durable, and less likely to be bent or broken. They were also much lighter in weight and tended to be less expensive as well.
In recent years, more brands have been making metal alloy frames that are just as lightweight, flexible, and resilient as there plastic counter-parts. They have also become much more comparable in price, while offering improvements on the same classic features as their predecessors.
And if your child has any aggressive allergies, you can ask for hypoallergenic materials. Some people who are allergic to metal alloys used by some brands, can experience skin irritations if they are allergic to the particular metals used.
Value
If your child wears glasses full time, it’s always a good idea to purchase a second, or emergency, pair of eyeglasses for them. This can be especially true if your child is dependent on their glasses, and cannot function normally without them.
To help with the costs, if they are in good shape, you can always ask your optician if the lenses in your child’s previous glasses can be transformed to fit their frames, or even tinted and turned into a pair of sunglasses. If your child’s prescription has not changed much since their last eye exam, this is a great way to also get a little hidden bang for your buck.
You can also always keep their old eyeglasses in a safe place for use as a spare too, but where’s the fun in that?
Don’t forget to stop by your local Cohen’s Fashion Optical today, and speak with their friendly, and knowledgeable Doctors and staff. Their expert EyeStylists can help you kick off the new school year on the right foot, and help your family find new eyeglasses that will match your unique lifestyles, prescriptions and style.
