2026-01-26 – Weekly Optician News : Pediatric centration tools discussion

Last week, our forum was bustling with valuable exchanges on pediatric optometry and precise optical practices. Many members highlighted tools and techniques that improve accuracy in fitting children’s eyewear, reflecting a shared interest in enhancing patient care for younger demographics. There was also a rich discussion on maintaining equipment efficiency, ensuring tools like autorefractors and edgers perform optimally. All in all, it was a week of practical advice and shared experiences that could benefit any optician.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Pediatric centration tools that actually work
Members are sharing the tools that have genuinely improved their success in fitting eyewear for young patients. It’s a practical conversation for anyone working with children.
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Best threadlocker for tiny hinge screws
Finding the right threadlocker can be a game-changer in keeping those pesky screws in place. This thread delves into what works best in our day-to-day practice.
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Gentle ways to measure kids’ PD
Accurate PD measurement is crucial, especially for children. This thread explores techniques that make the process less stressful for young patients.
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Autorefractor needed coffee this morning
A lighthearted yet insightful discussion about autorefractor quirks and maintenance practices. Perfect if you’ve ever faced a sluggish morning with your equipment.
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Pediatric-friendly CE for my ABO renewal
Continuing education is key, and this thread highlights courses tailored for those focusing on pediatric care. A must-read for anyone renewing their ABO certification.
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Parent handout for first-time kids’ glasses
Parents new to children’s eyewear often have questions. This discussion covers creating informative handouts to ease their concerns.
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What does the 39 in CR‑39 mean
Ever wondered about the origins of CR-39? This thread breaks down its history and significance in optical lenses.
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Reducing edge chips on 1.67
Chipping can be a nuisance with high-index lenses. Discover strategies to minimize these issues and improve your craftsmanship.
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Quick handoff template from pretest to optical
Streamlining the patient flow can enhance service efficiency. Explore templates that ensure smooth transitions from pretesting to optical.
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Edger calibration and staff habits
Proper calibration and staff practices are crucial for edge quality. This thread offers insights into maintaining high standards in lens edging.
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Thank you for being part of our community. Your contributions and insights make this forum a valuable resource. Have a productive week ahead.

For squirmy kids, I put a tiny target sticker on the demo lens and snap a PD/OC photo with Optikam — takes under 30 seconds and beats chasing Sharpie dots. @Nina I mostly agree on tool upkeep, but add one tweak: drop chuck pressure a notch on 1.67 in small frames to prevent edge chips while you recheck heights after final adjustments.

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Pre-adjust pantoscopic tilt and temple tension before any shots — otherwise the OC lands 1–2 mm off once the frame’s fitted. I use burst video in Optikam and grab the cleanest frame, keeps it under a minute and saves re-takes with blinks. If the room’s bright, swap to a matte target dot because glare trips the detection, @fredson12.

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