11 year old needs glasses and isn't happy

[Craigie]

Just looking for some advice really. 11 year old (halfway through P7) has just been told he needs to wear glasses, and he's not happy. He's worried about being teased by other kids. We've tried to get him to think about how he would react if one of his friends suddenly appeared at school wearing glasses one day and, of course, he says he wouldn't be bothered/wouldn't really say anything, but it's not his friends opinions he's worried about, it's the mean kids reactions he's concerned about. Does anyone have any bright ideas about how to make him feel better about himself?

Have you considered Ortho-K? Lots of info. online. We will do this for our children if they need glasses later on.

My son wore glasses from aged 6 and had contact lenses from aged ten so he may not have to wear the glasses in school for very long.

Loads of kids have glasses at school now. Is he getting bullied already by these mean kids? Dd has worn hers since 18 months old and is now 13

Photos of role models/idols of his wearing glasses may help?

If it helps any, DS1 had to get glasses at 8 and DS2 (now 8) just has to get glasses - loads of kids do have glasses at school and there are some great ranges out there

Do ask your optician about contact lenses, kids can now wear them much younger, especially the soft, disposable ones. A previous poster mentioned ortho k. My son has had these lenses since he was about 14 when glasses became prohibitive for sports. They are fantastic. You wear them at night only, so no issues at school. They act by adjusting the shape of the eye and it is also thought can reduce deterioration, so especially good for kids who are short sighted
Not all opticians can prescribe them. There's only one in my town and he is a contact lens specialist with lots of extra skills beyond your average spec savers. Ortho k changed DS's life. I just wish they had been available when I was young. Really worth investigating.

Agree with matey: contact lenses, best thing ever.

Yes, just get him contact lenses instead of glasses. If he doesn't want glasses then there's no point in forcing the issue. Loads of kids wear contact lenses and most I know start wearing them around your sons age

Thanks for feedback.

Another supporter for ortho-K my daughter has worn them since year 7 and her eyesight, unlike her glasses wearing friends, hasn't deteriorated.