Precision Frames to Ensure Optimal Young Vision
‘Children
deserve frames that are designed to fit their developing facial features. Clear vision is vital when they are learning in terms of both educational and social development.’
Dr Alicia Thompson
STEPPER EYEWEAR's new frames for children and teenagers represent a fresh approach to frame design and construction.
The STEPPER Start frames are not only attractive but also innovative.
However, their true potential for aiding the vision of the young becomes apparent only after understanding the science behind them.
Prescription Eyewear for Paediatric Patients
A Professional Perspective
Corrective eyewear may be prescribed for children and teenagers for a multitude of reasons.
Irrespective of the underlying conditions, the fundamental role of a frame remains consistent: to securely hold prescribed lenses in a stable and optimal position before the eyes, as determined by the eyecare professional.
In the realm of effective paediatric eyecare, prioritising the best possible outcome for eyesight stands as the foremost objective.
Synergy Between Lenses and Frame
Achieving the best outcomes hinges on the seamless collaboration between frames and lenses to provide optimal eyecare solutions.
Following the selection of corrective lenses, the fit and stability of the frame holding the lenses become paramount considerations.
Inadequate frame design leading to sliding or poor fit can compromise the efficacy of the correction, especially during critical stages of visual development in children.
Young Eyewear Created from Science
The design and manufacturing of STEPPER Start frames are informed by the latest empirical research into the development of facial features.
Building on its professional approach to frame design, STEPPER EYEWEAR has worked closely with one of the world’s leading authorities on paediatric eyecare: Dr Alicia Thompson PhD BSc (Hons) FBDO R (Hons) SLD SMC(Tech), to create frames that significantly advance and improve eyecare for the young.
Dr Alicia Thompson
Dr Thompson was awarded a doctorate from Aston University (one of the UK’s leading optometric universities) for her research into paediatric facial anthropometry applied to spectacle frame design.
The STEPPER EYEWEAR design and production team have been working closely with Dr Thompson to make her work a reality in children and teenager frames.
Dr. Thompson's pioneering study employed 3D stereo photogrammetry to gather precise measurements from 1,334 images capturing the facial structures of children aged from birth to 16, spanning various ethnicities.
This comprehensive dataset serves as an invaluable resource for frame designers seeking to optimise fit and comfort in their designs.
‘Following my research, I have been keen to use my knowledge with frame companies who share my belief in the importance of dispensing frames that are fit for purpose. STEPPER EYEWEAR has proved to be a valuable partner with their commitment to ‘Perfect Fit’.
Dr. Thompson's research represents a pivotal advancement in children's frame design, culminating in the creation of frames that meet unprecedented standards of precision and suitability.
By comprehensively understanding the facial anthropometry of children, STEPPER EYEWEAR now possesses precise measurement criteria to tailor frames that address the distinct requirements of young wearers.
Evidence Based Frame Design
Evidence Based Frame Design
Evidence Based Frame Design
Incorporating evidence-based studies into the new generation of STEPPER Start eyewear assists eyecare professionals to enhance patient safety, optimise treatment outcomes, deliver personalised care, establish professional credibility, and fulfill their ethical responsibilities.
Incorporating evidence-based studies into the new generation of STEPPER Kids eyewear assists eyecare professionals to enhance patient safety, optimise treatment outcomes, deliver personalised care, establish professional credibility, and fulfill their ethical responsibilities.
Incorporating evidence-based studies into the new generation of STEPPER Kids eyewear assists eyecare professionals to enhance patient safety, optimise treatment outcomes, deliver personalised care, establish professional credibility, and fulfill their ethical responsibilities.
It allows them to provide the highest standard of care for eye health and visual development.
World Fit
It allows them to provide the highest standard of care for children's eye health and visual development.
It allows them to provide the highest standard of care for children's eye health and visual development.
World Fit
World Fit
STEPPER EYEWEAR's pioneering World Fit System has introduced three distinct fits tailored to encompass broad ethnic fitting characteristics: European Fit, Asian Fit, and African Fit, withing the brand's expansive adult frame collection.
STEPPER EYEWEARʼs World Fit has led to the creation of three fits based on broad ethnic fitting characteristics. European Fit, Asian Fit and African Fit are now established fitting types within the brandʼs extensive adult frame offering.
STEPPER EYEWEARʼs World Fit has led to the creation of three fits based on broad ethnic fitting characteristics. European Fit, Asian Fit and African Fit are now established fitting types within the brandʼs extensive adult frame offering.
Incorporating Dr. Thompson's groundbreaking research into children and teenager eyewear, these unique fitting characteristics have been seamlessly integrated into STEPPER EYEWEAR's fitting profile, now identified as 'Alpha Fit'.
By incorporating Dr Thompsonʼs work into childrenʼs eyewear, the unique fitting characteristics have been integrated within STEPPER EYEWEARʼs fitting profile and are identified as ʻAlpha Fitʼ.
By incorporating Dr Thompsonʼs work into childrenʼs eyewear, the unique fitting characteristics have been integrated within STEPPER EYEWEARʼs fitting profile and are identified as ʻAlpha Fitʼ.
Alpha Fit
Alpha Fit
Collaboration with Dr. Thompson: Enhancing Pediatric Frame Design
After completing her extensive and acclaimed research, Dr Thompson has shared her findings with STEPPER EYEWEAR and worked with the brand to develop frames with outstanding fitting characteristics for children.
Following her extensive research, Dr. Thompson collaborated with STEPPER EYEWEAR to develop frames tailored to the unique fitting needs of young wearers.
Using these measurements STEPPER EYEWEAR worked on new designs. Starting with the facial dimensions as the base, the new frame shapes emerged. Once the fundamental designs were agreed, aesthetic appeal could be applied.
Leveraging Dr. Thompson's meticulous measurements, STEPPER EYEWEAR embarked on designing new frames. Starting with the foundational facial dimensions, the brand crafted frame shapes that perfectly complemented facial contours. Once the core designs were established, aesthetic considerations were meticulously applied.
Age Related Paediatric Facial Anthropometric Design
Age-Related Paediatric Facial Anthropometric Design
Alpha Fit has four fit variants. Due to child facial development with age, critical changes in the face shape require different frame measurements. For example, crest height, splay, angle, head width and pupillary distance requires accommodating.
These fit variants have been identified as:
The resulting Alpha Fit system comprises six variants tailored to accommodate critical changes in facial shape associated with age. Factors such as crest height, splay, angle, head width, and pupillary distance are meticulously accounted for to ensure optimal frame fit and wearer comfort at every stage of development.
・0 to 4
・4 to 6
・6 to 8
These fit variants have been identified as:
・8 to 10
• 0 to 4
• 4 to 6
• 6 to 8
• 8 to 10
• 10 to 12
• 12 to 14
How this translates into STEPPER Start frame design is illustrated in the table below:
How this translates into STEPPER Kids frame design is illustrated in the table below:
Advanced Frame Customisation
Proportions, Dimensions, Contours, And Curves Fine Tuning
Optimising Fit with Enhanced Features
Further customisation of frame parts, to match the frame more precisely to the wearer, are possible due to the enhanced features such as the TX5 endoskeleton nose pad and external/integral side adjustment. These final adjustments are made with the child by the eyecare professional.
Refined customisation of frame parts, tailored to the wearer's unique specifications, is made achievable through enhanced features like the TX5 endoskeleton nose pad and external/integral side adjustment.
Innovative customisable frame parts:
These meticulous final adjustments are conducted in collaboration with the patient by the eyecare professional.
・Interchangeable TX5 endoskeleton nose pad with silicone outer ʻskinʼ
Innovative customisable frame parts:
・Adaptable side length system
