Contact lenses enhance self-esteem and build confidence for children

FOR THOSE CHILDREN who wear glasses, being fitted with contact lenses may literally open up a whole new world. Pre-school age children of 4 and 5 years old can have their eyes tested free of charge at their local NHS health centre. For some however, wearing glasses, perhaps with a strong prescription can impact on their confidence and self-esteem.

If a child is highly sporty and just loves to run around a football, cricket, hockey or netball pitch in their leisure time and at school, then you factor in the added ingredient of playing a contact sport, and being able to see properly, whilst keeping your eye on the ball. Wearing heavy duty glasses with a thick lens or even goggles, which tend to steam up or need re-adjusting, or may even be knocked from your head and break, brings its own challenges, especially when playing sport is your passion.

Contact lenses can therefore be freeing for your child providing them with complete all round vision and increased confidence*, especially when participating in their favourite hobbies. Indeed the motivation behind why your child might want to try contact lenses as an option, is a key factor in assessing suitability.

Specsavers Kingston upon Thames, have highly trained staff on hand who are able to assist children in the handling and care of their contact lenses. Those children aged 8 years and over are tested by the optometrist for their suitability to wear lenses. Once these tests have been completed, your child will meet with the contact lens team who will give lessons in how to look after them, as hygiene is very important.

It is often recommended that daily lenses are used initially, as each child’s discipline around maintenance and hygiene will vary. The contact lens team will also teach your child how to put the lenses in and how to take them out. This takes time, patience and practice, but many children have said what a dramatic difference it makes to them once they have mastered this.

Specsavers Kingston upon Thames, Retail Director, Guy Loveday, said; ‘We have seen the difference that contact lenses can make to some children who may be lacking in confidence, or low self-esteem, particularly if they have a stronger prescription lens, whether this is at school or at home.

Mr Loveday continued; ‘For those more sporty children wearing contact lenses can literally change their world, as they are free from the worry of damaging their glasses or goggles being flung off whilst playing their favourite sports. It makes a tremendous difference to their ability and therefore their confidence!’

So if you have a child who might benefit from swapping their glasses for contact lenses, contact Specsavers Kingston upon Thames on 020 8974 6677 to book a consultation or you can book an appointment online