Fun & Fitting

Colors, shapes, and sizes unique to the children's market make fitting eyewear on today's young patients easier than ever

By Amy Spiezio

Photographer:
Peter Baker

Models:
Alexandra Lauren Baker and Clare Foley

Stylist:
Leslie Atiles

GETTING IN THE SWING of fitting kids' frames includes seeking stylish options. Shown left: Disney Princess style Snow White 2 from Marchon; shown right: Hilco LeaderMax styles LM301 (top and bottom) and LM303 (left and right)

When it comes to fitting children's eyewear, the process takes two major parts: properly fitting frames on the kids' faces and fitting the right staff to work in the kids' dispensary.

Physically, children have unique fitting needs. There are two main fitting criteria for the youth market: Adjustable or cable temples and adjustable bridges.

Because their faces are still developing, the bridge can be particularly hard to fit. "If they have a flat bridge, adjustable pads or a saddlebridge works," says Elizabeth Moore, ABOC, FNAO, who owns Solo Bambini, an online business and store in Burlingame, Calif., with her husband.

Other face-fitting concerns include comfort and durability of materials, and temple length and style. Temples are frequently too long, so an inventory of styles made of polymer that can be cut to fit work best, Moore adds.

STAFF FITTING FACTORS

The other key to happy frame fittings is the dispenser. "The first criteria is that they have to actually like children, not just say they do," Moore says.

When making her hires for A Child's View's dispensaries in California, CEO Katheryn Dabbs Schramm, ABOC, FNAO, makes a point of bringing on experienced people. "Working with children is not the place to learn," she says, adding that she ensures that each member of her fitting team has at least five years' experience as well as ABO certification before being welcome to the staff.

Creating a Kids' Zone

SWEET styles from A&A Optical's Pez Eyewear collection. Shown: Hide n' Seek (top) and plastic style Rock Star
A SPLASH of color and a flexible bridge make a style that appeals to kids and adults. Shown Eschenbach Oio Titanflex style 3516

Setting a comfy stage for successful children's dispensing means making a space that works for kids and their grownups.

"Our store is totally for kids and it's great for the mothers," says Elizabeth Moore, ABOC, FNAO, owner of Solo Bambini in Carlsbad, Calif. Consider the following.

SPACE: Moore recommends an open plan where kids can move around. In addition, both grown up-comfortable and kid-friendly seating options keep everyone happy.

STYLE: A clean, uncluttered space is welcoming. A toy-strewn space is not.

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT: A television that broadcasts children's programming keeps siblings and patients amused and is a good investment for the waiting area.

A GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD: When selecting a site, "Part of the criteria was finding kids," Moore says. There's a children's hair salon and a candy store in the same neighborhood as the shop, creating a kids' shopping zone.

SWEETHEART looks in reds are fun and flattering. Shown: Lafont style Tartelette
COLOR patterns on metal frames add a bit of flair to a traditional style. Shown: Grant Italia styles 3621N (left) and 4013F

5 Style Sightings

There are several strong kids' trends: 1 Colors: There are kids who want the brightest colors and those who want frames that blend into the face with as little a trace as possible. In the color zone, red, orange, pink, and blue rule. While parents may shrink from colorful frames, reminding them that a fun frame is more likely to be worn may be helpful. 2 Brands: The name has not lost its allure with the younger set. Cartoon characters, clothing lines, and tween stars continue to have a strong influence on the scene. 3 Styles: Grown-up looks scaled down for little faces are still holding strong with pretty and preppy looks that please adults and get attention from kids, too. But, there is also a very strong market for kid-specific looks, with simple and fun styles. 4 Patterns: Providing a dash of color or a splash of something a little unique is increasingly popular in kids' eyewear. 5 Materials: Metal is a traditional favorite thanks to its workhorse reputation. But metal breaks, too, usually at the hinges. Brightly colored plastic frames are increasingly durable for youngsters.