Children’s Glasses
Children’s Glasses
Buying glasses for a child is different from buying for an adult — in fit, in lens choice, and in the rules around online purchase. Here’s what you need to know.
UK rules: prescription glasses for under-16s
The General Optical Council (GOC) regulates how prescription eyewear is supplied in the UK. Prescription glasses for anyone under 16 must be dispensed by a registered optician in person, not sold online unsupervised.
This rule also applies to anyone of any age registered as severely sight impaired or sight impaired (blind or partially sighted).
The reason: children’s vision is still developing, frame fit affects vision development, and proper measurement and fitting requires a qualified practitioner.
What you can do online
You can order:
- Frame-only purchases for children — buy a frame from us, then have a registered optician fit prescription lenses
- Children’s sunglasses with non-prescription tinted or polarised lenses — see our kids sunglasses collection
- Reading glasses for older teens (16+) at standard online checkout
You cannot order prescription glasses online for anyone under 16 — even if you have their prescription — because of the GOC rule above.
Choosing children’s frames
Material
For active children, look for impact-resistant lens material (Trivex 1.53 or polycarbonate 1.59) when lenses are being fitted. Frame-wise, flexible plastic and TR-90 are more durable than acetate for younger children.
Fit
Children’s frames need to fit specifically to their face shape and size — not a scaled-down adult frame. The bridge should sit on the nose without sliding down, and the temples should reach the ear without pinching.
Spring hinges
Spring-loaded temple hinges accommodate the way children put glasses on (often pulled outward) without bending the frame.
Eye health for children
The NHS recommends children have a sight test:
- At around 4–5 years old (often part of starting school)
- Every 1–2 years thereafter, even with no vision concerns
- Sooner if you notice signs like squinting, sitting too close to the TV, or struggling to read the board at school
NHS sight tests are free for under-16s and for 16–18 year olds in full-time education.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy prescription glasses for my child online from Ardor?
No. UK General Optical Council rules require prescription glasses for under-16s to be dispensed in person by a registered optician. We can sell you the frame, and a local optician can fit lenses.
Can I buy children’s sunglasses online?
Yes — non-prescription children’s sunglasses can be bought online without restriction.
Where can I get my child’s eyes tested?
Most high-street opticians (Specsavers, Boots Opticians, Vision Express, independent practices) test children. NHS tests are free for under-16s.
What’s the best lens material for children’s glasses?
Polycarbonate (1.59 index) or Trivex (1.53 index) — both are impact-resistant. Your child’s optician will fit the right lens for their prescription.
How often do children need new glasses?
Often more frequently than adults — children’s prescriptions can change year on year. Re-test annually unless your optician says otherwise.
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