2026-02-02 – Weekly Optician News : Go-to tools for toddler refractions

Last week in our forum, the discussions were rich and varied, touching on both practical tools and theoretical approaches. Members shared their experiences and preferences for toddler refraction tools, which sparked a broader conversation about pediatric optometry. Continuing education (CE) was another hot topic, with participants debating which courses truly enhance fitting skills. The community also explored toolkit essentials for screening, highlighting the importance of readiness in outreach programs.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Go-to tools for toddler refractions
Members are discussing practical tools that make pediatric refractions easier, especially for toddlers who are less cooperative. This thread offers valuable insights for anyone working with young patients.
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Which CE actually improves fittings
A lively debate on continuing education courses and which ones have real-world benefits for fitting expertise. It’s a must-read for those looking to level up their skills.
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Community screening toolkit for opticians
Discussions on how to equip opticians for community screenings. This thread is full of practical advice for those planning outreach events.
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First-week edger and lensometer training
For those new to the field, this thread covers essential training tips for using edgers and lensometers effectively in the first week.
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Free vision screenings on March 16
Details about upcoming free vision screenings, a great opportunity to give back and practice skills in a real-world setting.
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Rethinking chromatic control in everyday lenses
A thought-provoking discussion on improving chromatic control in lenses, which could lead to better visual comfort for patients.
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Quick weekly check for fewer breakdowns
Simple yet effective weekly maintenance tips to reduce equipment breakdowns, ensuring smoother day-to-day operations.
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What does the 39 in CR‑39 mean
A technical exploration of the CR-39 lens material, shedding light on the history and properties of this common optical choice.
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Gentle ways to measure kids’ PD
Tips and techniques for measuring pupillary distance in children, aiming to make the process less stressful for young patients.
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Looking forward to another week of thoughtful discussions. Keep sharing your experiences and questions!

Retinomax is our sanity-saver with wiggly toddlers — Child mode plus a bubble wand gets quick readings. > chromatic control in lenses, which could lead to better visual comfort for patients. Read more here Quick weekly check for fewer breakdowns Agree — we top off the battery every Friday and wipe the forehead pad; , far fewer ‘it died mid-test’ moments, and if the kid won’t sit for it, Mohindra in a dim room still works.

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I find that using a fun, colorful phoropter can really engage toddlers during refractions… It’s amazing how a simple visual can distract them enough to get those critical readings. Have you tried something like the iBrite?

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