Kid’s First Glasses? Here’s What Every Parent Should Know
- Northern Sight Optometry
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Getting glasses for the first time can be a big moment for both kids and parents. Whether your child has been complaining of blurry vision or their teacher has noticed they're squinting at the board, a pair of glasses can be life-changing. But not all prescriptions are about clarity alone. Some lenses are designed to help the eyes work more comfortably and efficiently, even if your child sees 20/20.
Here’s what parents need to know about helping your child adjust to their first pair of glasses and how to set them up for success in wearing them every day.
Why Kids Might Need Glasses (Even Without Blurry Vision)
When we think of glasses, we often think of them as a fix for blurry distance vision. And yes, if your child is nearsighted, farsighted, or has astigmatism, lenses will help them see clearly. But there’s more to vision than just clarity.
Sometimes, we prescribe functional lenses to support the way your child’s eyes focus, coordinate, and track. These prescriptions are designed to:
Reduce visual fatigue
Improve reading stamina and attention
Prevent blurry vision from developing later in the day
Support healthy eye development
That’s why, during a comprehensive pediatric exam, we don’t just test how clearly your child sees. We also check how their visual system is working behind the scenes.
💡 Tip: During the exam, we’ll often let your child try on their prescription to see how it feels. Watch for changes in their attention, posture, or behaviour. It's a good sign when they focus better or seem more relaxed right away.
Choosing the Right Frame for Your Child
Once we’ve found the right prescription, the next step is choosing a pair of glasses that your child will actually wear. And that starts with fit.
Avoid buying frames “to grow into.” Unlike shoes, glasses need to fit your child’s current size to work properly. If the frames are too big, they’ll:
Slide down their nose
Sit crooked on their face
Misalign the lenses from their pupils—making the prescription less effective
Our opticians are pros at helping kids find frames that:
Fit snug without squeezing
Are lightweight and durable
Match their personality (and their favourite colour!)
We’ll also make sure the lenses are centered properly, and the temple arms sit comfortably behind their ears. Because when frames fit well, kids are far more likely to wear them.
Helping Your Child Build the Habit
Kids are smart. They learn fast, adapt quickly, and—believe it or not—they’re often better at building new habits than we are. But even so, some children may resist wearing glasses at first. Here’s how to help:
Link glasses to something they care about. Try: “Your drawing skills will get even better with your glasses on,” or “You can only watch your iPad once your glasses are on.”
Start with short, purposeful wear. Glasses don’t always need to be worn all day especially if they’re meant for reading or screens. Start by associating them with specific tasks.
Let them choose the colour and shape. Kids are more excited to wear glasses they’ve picked out themselves.
Get others involved. Teachers, tutors, older siblings, and even babysitters can help remind and encourage your child to wear their glasses.
Teach independence. Our opticians take time to show kids how to clean their lenses, remove their glasses gently, and store them properly. Teaching responsibility helps them take ownership.
When in doubt… bribes work! A sticker chart, a small reward, or a trip to the ice cream shop can work wonders in the early days.
Glasses are Cool Now and Kids Know It
The good news? Today’s kids are growing up seeing glasses everywhere from their favourite cartoon characters to YouTubers. Glasses are no longer something to “get used to”. They’re often something to get excited about.
And with the right pair, your child can feel confident, stylish, and comfortable—all while seeing better and learning more easily.
At Northern Sight Optometry, we love helping children feel empowered by their new glasses, not overwhelmed. Our doctors and eyewear stylists will walk you through the prescription process, frame fitting, and everything your child needs to feel comfortable and confident in their new look.
Whether it’s their first pair of glasses or just the next step in their growing visual journey, we’re here to support your family every step of the way. Book a visit today to get started.