GLASSES FOR INFANTS & CHILDREN MELBOURNE

HAWTHORN EYE CLINIC

Safe and effective treatment, with the aim to restore clear vision.

GLASSES FOR INFANTS & CHILDREN MELBOURNE

A PATIENT’S GUIDE

Children’s eyes change quickly as they grow. Vision problems such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism can develop gradually. A routine eye examination with an ophthalmologist or optometrist can detect these issues early.

All the specialists use cutting edge, proven technology and strive to provide your child with high quality eye care.

HAWTHORN EYE CLINIC
Learn more about getting glasses for your child:

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our frequently asked questions section to find answers to common questions about getting glasses for your child including:

  • How do I know if my child needs glasses?

  • What age can children start wearing glasses?

  • How often should my child’s eyes be checked?

  • Will glasses make my child’s eyes “weaker”?

  • How quickly do children’s prescriptions change?

  • What type of frames are best for children?

  • Should my child get impact-resistant lenses?

  • How can I help my child adjust to new glasses?

  • Will my child need to wear their glasses all the time?

  • What if my child refuses to wear their glasses?

  • Can children wear contact lenses instead of glasses?

  • How do I know if the glasses are fitting properly?

How do you know if your child needs glasses?

Good vision is vital for your child’s learning and development. Children with vision problems may not realise they’re not seeing clearly, and may rely on parents and teachers to notice the signs.

Early detection can make a big difference to your child’s comfort, confidence, coordination, and school performance.

Common signs your child may need glasses include:

  • Squinting or closing one eye to see clearly
  • Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close
  • Frequent headaches, tired eyes, or eye rubbing
  • Difficulty concentrating on reading or schoolwork
  • Tilting their head to one side
  • Falling behind at school or losing interest in visual activities
children's eye exam

Common childhood eye problems

The main types of childhood eye problems include:

1. Refractive Errors – Including:

  • Short-sightedness (myopia) – Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
  • Long-sightedness (hyperopia) – Trouble focusing on near objects.
  • Astigmatism – Blurred or distorted vision at all distances due to irregular eye shape.

2. Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) – Occurs when one eye doesn’t develop normal vision, often because it’s weaker or misaligned. If untreated, the brain starts to ignore input from that eye, leading to long-term vision loss.

3. Squint (Strabismus) – When the eyes point in different directions — one eye may turn in, out, up or down. This can cause double vision and, if untreated, may lead to amblyopia.

4. Congenital Eye Conditions – Some infants are born with structural or developmental eye issues, such as congenital cataracts or glaucoma, which require early specialist care.

How do childhood eye problems affect vision?

When eye problems aren’t detected early, they can interfere with how a child sees and how their brain processes visual information.

As the conditions progress, individuals may develop:

Refractive Errors (Short-sightedness, Long-sightedness, Astigmatism) – These cause blurred or distorted vision at certain distances. Children may struggle to see the board at school, read comfortably, or focus on fine details, which can affect learning, attention and co-ordination.

Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) – If one eye sends a weaker signal to the brain, the brain begins to ignore that eye, leading to poor vision that can become permanent if untreated. Early correction can often restore normal sight.

Squint (Strabismus) – Because the eyes don’t align properly, the brain may shut off one image to avoid double vision. This can cause depth-perception problems and increase the risk of amblyopia.

Congenital Eye Conditions – Structural or developmental issues such as cataracts or glaucoma can significantly reduce clarity or brightness of vision if untreated early. Prompt specialist care is essential to preserve sight.

How are childhood eye problems diagnosed?

Ophthalmologists diagnose potential eye issues through a comprehensive eye examination to assess the clarity, shape, and health of your child’s eye, using several specialised tests that may include:

Test Description
Vision test: Tests your child’s vision at various distances.
Refraction test: Determines if your child needs glasses and what prescription is required.
Eye alignment & movement tests Check for eye conditions such as a squint (strabismus)
Pupil and light reflex tests Assess how well the eyes respond to light.
Eye health examination: Using special lights or lenses to view the inside and outside of the eyes for signs of disease or structural problems.

Your baby’s eyes can be tested even before he or she is able to give a verbal response. By dilating your baby’s pupil, your ophthalmologist can look at the retina using an instrument called a retinoscope. Lenses of varying power are then placed in front of the eye in order to assess the correct strength required.

These tests help your ophthalmologist determine if there are any issues present, how advanced it is, and whether it’s affecting vision enough to consider specific eye treatments and glasses.

Glasses for Infants & Children Melbourne

If you have any questions about glasses for children, appointment bookings, location or opening hours, visit:

Selecting glasses/frames for infants and children?

Choosing the right pair of glasses for infants and children is about much more than style — it’s about comfort, safety, and supporting healthy visual development. Children’s faces, activities, and visual needs are very different from adults, so the frames and lenses must be carefully selected to ensure a secure fit, clear vision, and all-day wearability.

Items to consider include:

1. Fit & Comfort

  • Frames should fit small, flat bridges — adjustable or silicone nose pads help.
  • Temples should sit securely behind the ears without slipping.
  • Lightweight materials reduce pressure on the nose and ears.

2. Durability & Safety

  • Choose flexible, impact-resistant frames (TR-90, flexible plastic, memory-metal).
  • Use shatter-resistant lenses like polycarbonate or Trivex.
  • Avoid sharp edges, especially for infants.

3. Stable & Secure Fit

  • Head straps help infants and toddlers keep glasses on.
  • Snug or wrap-around styles reduce slipping.

4. Prescription Accuracy

  • Smaller frames minimise lens thickness in higher prescriptions.
  • Ensure the optical centre height is correctly set, especially for bifocals or strong prescriptions.

5. Style & Confidence

  • Fun colours help kids feel good about wearing glasses.
  • Choose shapes that suit their face and avoid oversized frames.

6. UV & Blue Light Protection

  • Polycarbonate lenses include built-in UV protection.
  • Anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings add clarity and durability.

7. Adjustability

  • Spring hinges improve flexibility and durability.
  • Frames should be easy to adjust as the child grows.

8. Medical/Specialty Needs

  • Frames must accommodate patches or filters for strabismus or amblyopia.
  • Sensory-friendly materials are ideal for neurodiverse or sensitive children.

9. Growth & Replacement

  • Look for frames with room for minor adjustments during growth spurts.
  • A backup pair is useful for full-time wear or high prescriptions.

10. Practicality & Convenience

  • Easy-clean surfaces, durable cases, and available spare parts make daily use simpler.

Helping your child adjust to new glasses

When with the correct prescription and frames, your child can consistently look through the centre of the lenses, supporting healthy visual development.

When your child first wears glasses

Most children adjust quickly, but adaptation can vary with age. Encourage regular wear and gradually increase the time if needed. Avoid turning it into a struggle — distract your child after putting the glasses on, and if they remove them, try again later.

If you have any concerns about the new glasses or how your child is coping, please contact us to arrange an earlier review. We will routinely check the prescription every 12 months to ensure it remains accurate.

If you have any concerns regarding the newly prescribed glasses, then you should contact us as soon as possible to make an earlier review appointment.

Glasses for Infants and Children – Frequently Asked Questions

Children may not realise their vision is blurry. Signs include squinting, sitting close to screens, headaches, eye rubbing, difficulty concentrating, or struggling with schoolwork. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to confirm.

Infants/children can wear glasses at any age, (even babies) if they need vision correction. Your ophthalmologist will help you and your child choose frames and lenses, suitable for their age and activity levels.

Most children may benefit from an eye exam every 12 months. This timeframe can also help children if they already wear glasses to check their prescription or have an eye condition that needs monitoring.

No. Glasses do not weaken the eyes. They simply help your child see clearly and support proper visual development.

This varies. Some children’s eyes remain stable for years; others, especially those with myopia (short-sightedness), may experience changes more often. Regular check-ups every 12 months help monitor this.

Choose lightweight, durable frames that fit comfortably and stay in place during play. Flexible materials, adjustable nose pads, and wraparound styles are often recommended.

Yes. Children’s lenses should always be impact-resistant, typically made of polycarbonate or Trivex, for safety during school and sport.

Encourage them to wear the glasses consistently for short periods at first. Most children adapt within a few days, especially when they realise they can see more clearly.

It depends on the prescription. Some children only need glasses for schoolwork or reading; others may need full-time wear. Your ophthalmologist will advise what’s best.

This is common at first. Make sure the frames fit well, involve them in choosing their glasses, and be patient. Consistent encouragement and showing them the difference in their vision, usually helps.

Yes, but typically only when they’re mature enough to care for them and insert and take them out safely. Many children start using contact lenses around 10–12 years of age.

The frames should sit straight, rest comfortably on the nose and ears, and stay in place when your child moves or plays. A poorly fitting pair can affect both comfort and vision.

Prescription Glasses for Children Melbourne

If you have any questions about prescription glasses for your child, appointment bookings, location or opening hours, visit:

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