Kids Contact Lens

The Kids Contact Lens Clinic at The Ohio State University College of Optometry is one of the few specialized services in the country dedicated to fitting children with contact lenses. Whether your child wants contact lenses for sports, dance, or confidence (or has a medical need like congenital cataracts) our clinic provides expert care in a supportive environment.

Expert Care from a Pediatric Contact Lens Specialist

Dr. Jenny Fogt has over 15 years of experience fitting children of all ages, from newborns with vision-threatening conditions to motivated tweens and teens ready to make the switch from glasses. She understands that kids need extra time, patience, and encouragement, and she’s here to guide them and their families every step of the way.

We help children who:

• Want contact lenses for active lifestyles or cosmetic reasons
• Have high prescriptions or eye conditions that make glasses challenging
• Need contact lenses after cataract surgery or for other medical reasons
• Are exploring myopia control with contact lenses to slow nearsightedness

Contact Lenses Designed for Kids

Children can wear many types of contact lenses, including soft lenses, gas permeable lenses, and corneal reshaping lenses (orthokeratology). The best lens for your child will be determined through a personalized consultation.

Kids are often more capable than expected. Many children learn to insert and remove their own contact lenses with a bit of extra time and coaching. Dr. Fogt has extensive experience preparing young wearers for contact lens success, safely and confidently.

Kids Contact Lens Frequently Asked Questions

Your Guide to Contact Lenses for Children

At what age can children start wearing contact lenses?

There’s no specific age. Instead, we look at the 3 Ms:

• Maturity – Is your child responsible enough for daily care?
• Motivation – Does your child want to try contacts?
• Mother (or caregiver) – Are you supportive without doing everything for them?

Why do some eye doctors wait until age 13 to fit contact lenses?

Some believe younger kids aren't ready, but research shows that children as young as 8 (and sometimes younger) can wear contact lenses safely and successfully with proper guidance and motivation.

What types of contact lenses can children wear?

Children can be fit with:

• Soft disposable lenses
• Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGPs)
• Orthokeratology lenses (corneal reshaping for overnight wear)

Can contact lenses slow the progression of nearsightedness (myopia)?

Yes! Certain types of contact lenses, including orthokeratology and soft bifocal lenses, have been shown to slow myopia progression in children. This is especially important for kids whose nearsightedness is getting worse quickly.

Do contact lenses improve kids’ self-esteem?

Absolutely. Studies show contact lenses can improve how kids feel about their appearance, athletic performance, and social confidence.

Will my child be able to put in and take out their contacts on their own?

We never send a child home with contact lenses until they can take them out by themselves. With training and encouragement, more than 95% of kids learn to apply and remove lenses independently.