[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Twelve hundred years after spectacles were invented, there are still children in the world suffering from severe vision loss—simply because they have no access to a pair of spectacles.
Imagine this: once they develop even a common eye condition such as myopia (shortsightedness), life will no longer be the same.
Why We Support Our Children’s Vision Campaign:
#1. We love kids.
We are passionate about children’s vision. Good vision allows children to experience all the joys of childhood—identify colours, count objects, see shapes, play outdoors, recognise loved ones’ faces. Dr Soojin Nam, our principal optometrist and a mother of two kids, states, “As a behavioural optometrist, I am fortunate to be in a position that allows me to help children with real vision problems. Every optometrist knows the importance of good vision and the impact it has on children.” It is our desire that all kids have access to eyecare and spectacles in order for them to achieve their best.
#2. We believe in the right to education.
Vision problems among school-age kids are common. The best time for learning is while young, when children are naturally curious and motivated to learn about the hows and whys of the world. Children’s love for learning is best established when they experience their firsts through eyes that see clearly. When children with blurred vision cannot even play or move around safely—how can they achieve their full learning potential?
#3. Because not every child has a parent who takes them for an eye test.
When we see our little patient walk away from the practice with their parent, all smiles because they can see clearly and love their new spectacles, we remember the countless children who has never had an eye exam. It could be poverty. It could be there’s no optometrist or an eyecare facility near them. It could be they are orphans. For whatever reason these children are deprived of good vision, we know there are channels to do something about it, so we use them.
#4. To spread love and awareness.
Sometimes, vital things like the air we breathe, clean water or a roof over our heads are freely available that we take them for granted. Most of us have access to basic health and eyecare. We have healthfunds to cover for medical needs. However, many socially disadvantaged people in the world suffer from health conditions that could have easily been treated or managed—if only they have the means. When we talk about this global crisis, we spread awareness, and ripples of awareness will spread love in the process. Then many who have the capacity and willingness to help will be directed to the proper channels so help can begin to flow.
#5. To inspire others to give.
When people see generosity’s effect on a receiver, many are moved and compelled to take similar action. It’s no surprise too. In the article The Science of Good Deeds, a few small studies point to lowered stress levels and improved immunity when one is feeling empathy and love, also known as “the helper’s high”. A recent study has also identified the “bonding” hormone oxytocin in people who are very generous towards others. This is the same hormone released when one receives a hug.
#6. Their vision is also ours.
Our Children’s Vision Campaign’s vision is simple: vision for every child…everywhere. When our little patients come to us and we see how their quality of life improve tremendously because of what we do, we desire it for every child with a vision problem. Dr Nam states, “Our Children’s Vision needs our support in getting eyecare solutions to children everywhere, and this program just makes it so easy to do that. Our practices are proud to be involved and have been having fun with our patients, getting them involved by collecting donations in exchange for chocolate! Our children are our future, so I see nothing more important than giving them the best chance in life.”
Two ways to support Our Children’s Vision Campaign! 1. Our optical dispensers can give your spectacles a professional clean and adjustment (valued at $15) for only a $5 donation! OR 2. Make a Gold Coin donation for a yummy chocolate treat! Your support will go to Our Children’s Vision Campaign.
How a Pair of Glasses Can Change Everything
Looking through eyes with myopia, a type of refractive error where light focuses in front of, instead of on, the retina. This causes distant objects to be blurry, while close objects appear normal. A pair of prescription spectacles can remedy this.
A simple pair of spectacles can open a new world of possibilities to the child with blurred vision. For the first time, with clear vision, they can play safely, learn better and achieve great things. Eyecare Kids believes that a child’s quality of life should not be compromised simply because they cannot access eyecare. Even if we can’t physically be there for these kids—we can help meet their eyecare and eyewear needs through this campaign.
Breaking Down Barriers to Provide Global Eyecare
Our Children’s Vision believes no organisation can do this alone. The goal we want to achieve is so large scale that it needs a coalition of players to make it happen. Through partnerships with big and small organisations who are achieving incredible things for child health, Our Children’s Vision has helped children with vision problems and allowed them to contribute in their communities and reach their full potential.
Be a part of this movement. Join us in this global fight for our children’s sight!
[vc_row css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22padding-bottom%22%3A%220px%22%7D%7D”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Plastic frames have always sounded safer and sturdier than metal frames for children, and most parents think about this when they choose their kid’s glasses. But can small children wear metal frames? Of course they can! As more and more reputable brands like Flexon and Nike create metal frames designed for small children, there is no reason children need to adhere to a small range of specific frames.
Let’s compare plastic v metal frames and weigh out the pros and cons:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”comparison-table”][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Plastic”][/ultimate_heading][info_list style=”hexagon” icon_bg_color=”#d6d6d6″ icon_color=”#000000″ font_size_icon=”24″][info_list_item list_title=”Design” list_icon=”Defaults-pencil”]Plastic is easy to mould during the manufacturing process and comes in more shapes and sizes. Thicker frames mean more canvas for loud prints or bold designs.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Colour” list_icon=”Defaults-paint-brush”]A wide range of colours allows your child to make bolder fashion statements. Children love the bright colours that come with plastic frames. [/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Weight” list_icon=”Defaults-shopping-cart”]This is dependent on the type of material a frame is made from as these days super light weight plastic is available.
[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Durability/ Impact Resistance” list_icon=”Defaults-recycle”]A lot of good quality plastic frames are much sturdier than metal frames and are resistant to permanent deformation when dropped or upon impact, but they may snap when placed under high stress. If your child plays sports, you can get polycarbonate lenses as these lenses are very strong.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Allergies” list_icon=”Defaults-user-md”]Plastic does not contain nickel, so there are no allergies. Most plastic frames are hypoallergenic.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Lens Thickness” list_icon=”Defaults-eye”]Plastic frames can support stronger lens prescriptions because frames are thicker. The frames also conceal the thickness of the lens edges.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Utility or Functionality” list_icon=”Defaults-cog gear”]Flexible plastic is better for a baby. When your preschooler grows to be an active child who loves sports, polycarbonate sports glasses are the best choice.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Fit” list_icon=”Defaults-male”]Many plastic frames fit the face of a child nicely, but for kids with low nose bridges (which is common, as kids’ nasal bones are usually still underdeveloped), the weight of plastic frames can make the spectacles slip down their noses. Plastic frames lose their adjustments a bit faster, so you need to get your child’s glasses tightened or adjusted more frequently.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Availability” list_icon=”Defaults-check-square-o”]A wide range of plastic frames of various colours and designs are available for you to choose from. [/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Comfort” list_icon=”Defaults-bed hotel”]Plastic frames have a set nose bridge, so they will either be very comfortable for some people and not comfortable for others. Frames can be a heavier acetate or a lighter plastic frame. [/info_list_item][/info_list][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Metal”][/ultimate_heading][info_list style=”hexagon” icon_bg_color=”#d6d6d6″ icon_color=”#000000″ font_size_icon=”24″][info_list_item list_title=”Design” list_icon=”Defaults-pencil”]Serious minimalist look makes your preschooler look more mature. Some kids love it when they have spectacles that resemble people they relate to like Harry Potter.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Colour” list_icon=”Defaults-paint-brush”]Limited range of colours such as gold, silver, black. Colours also don’t stand out as much due to the minimalist approach.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Weight” list_icon=”Defaults-shopping-cart”]Metal frames are designed to be thinner, so they have a lighter overall frame.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Durability/ Impact Resistance” list_icon=”Defaults-recycle”]The advantage of metal frames over plastic frames is if sat on in some cases metal can be bent back into place. However, certain metal frames like titanium Flexon metal is a great choice as they are light but very durable, having a 2 year warranty.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Allergies” list_icon=”Defaults-user-md”]Some metal frames have nickel alloys in them which causes nickel allergy. However, Flexon, titanium, and stainless steel frames are hypoallergenic, meaning they will not react to your skin.
[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Lens Thickness” list_icon=”Defaults-eye”]Metal frames have a thinner eyewire so when lenses are thicker they are more noticeable.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Utility or Functionality” list_icon=”Defaults-cog gear”]A child who requires an exact bifocal line needs the unlimited adjustability and hence will benefit from a metal frame with adjustable nose pads.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Fit” list_icon=”Defaults-male”]Metal holds shape better, so metal frames can be adjusted to fit the face much easier. Cable temples (temples that curl behind the ears for better fit) are also available mostly with metal frames. Metal frames have adjustable nose pads to lift the frames higher, allowing your child to focus on the correct part of the lens at all times.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Availability” list_icon=”Defaults-check-square-o”]Metal frames generally have more limited options compared to plastic frames.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Comfort” list_icon=”Defaults-bed hotel”]Metal frames have adjustable nose pads so they can be made to sit well on any nose. Nose pads also allow the frame to sit of the face so it’s a good option for people who work in hot or cold conditions. [/info_list_item][/info_list][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]How about rimless glasses?
Our optical dispenser Greg Sexty says, ‘Rimless glasses are great for people who want super light glasses and who like the invisible look as they blend in to the face due to them not having a metal or plastic rim, however they need more delicate care than a full rim frame so when purchasing a rimless frame be aware of this. Keeping this in mind, I would not normally recommend full rimless spectacles for children’.
So, plastic or metal?
Plastic and metal frames, like all things, have their pros and cons, generally, though plastic frames offer more colour choices and are easier to wear (comfort), so children often choose plastic frames. Always aim for the best fit and comfort when you select your child’s glasses because their vision quality and quality of learning will depend largely on this.
Jake with Optometrist Emily Chen
Also take into consideration the aesthetics as small children can be self-conscious especially at school with other children.
Our practices offer a broad selection of children’s frames for your preschooler. Our skillful optical dispensers are highly trained and experienced to fit preschoolers their spectacles. Plastic or metal—our optical dispensers will help you choose the best frame for your child.
Greg added, ‘We love to see kids walk out of our store with a smile on their faces’.
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Why We Support Our Children’s Vision Campaign:
