Finding a frame for finicky younger folks is no longer quite as taxing as it once was, as companies offer a wider variety of product as individual as the families seeking new eyeglasses for the younger set during the approaching back-to-school season.

When it comes to children, tweens, and teens, they can be as individual as snowflakes. Getting kids and their parents to agree on an eyewear purchase, however, can be a challenge. The younger generation does have a few things in common with their purchasing parents, however, they appreciate good-looking product and prize premium materials and workmanship.

Companies with recognizable brands are offering eyewear with popular names without sacrificing individuality and creativity. Kids’ eyewear is no longer just neon colors with recognizable cartoon mascots (not that there’s anything wrong with that). As you will see in this special section, many offerings for younger clients are chips off the old block—tweens are noticing what their parents are wearing, and many well-known brands have their own version for kids of all ages. Hard-to-fit patients are also finding products made specifically to address their own needs as well.

There’s something available for everyone under 18—from wildly colorful frames to more subdued eyeglasses that are remarkably similar to something their great-grandparents might have worn—but with up-to-date styling and materials.

Kids Biz 2012 is a joint project of Vision Monday and 20/20 Magazine. Watch for the upcoming Kids Biz 2012 Supplement, coming in August. 

This Special Kids Biz 2011 Section is supported by the following participating companies: A&A Optical, Alpha Viana, Altair, ClearVision, Lafont, LBI, Marchon, Match, McGee, OGI, Prologue, REM, Specs4US and Viva International Group.  

–Seth J. Bookey, Contributing Editor

View a pdf of this year's Kids Biz 2012