[Prescribing spectacles to children].

Refractive errors are the most common visual problem in children apart from squinting. Indications for spectacles include amblyopia prophylaxis and treatment, strabismus, myopia and reading disorders. Objective refraction by retinoscopy is the central part of prescribing spectacles to children. A slight under correction (maximum of 0.5 dpt in cases with and 1.0 dpt without squint) can be considered in hyperopia only. Myopia, astigmatism and anisometropia must be fully corrected. Any prescription must mention "MA=PD" and "plastic lenses" as well as "high bifocal" if needed. Information to the parents is essential for good compliance of spectacle wear. Step-by-step instructions and a list of possible errors will be given.