Every August, families, educators, and eye care professionals in Randolph and across the country come together for Great Glasses Play Day—a heartwarming celebration that helps children feel proud of wearing glasses and promotes early eye health awareness. This annual event, first launched in 2012, was created to encourage children who wear eyewear or lenses to embrace their individuality and recognize the confidence that comes from clear, comfortable vision.
Founded by Kristin Ellsworth (creator of Peeps Eyewear) and Ann Zawistoski (founder of the Little Four Eyes parent community), the Great Glasses Play Day serves as a reminder that wearing glasses is something to celebrate—not hide. The event features online meetups and in-person gatherings at parks and community centers across the U.S. and internationally, uniting parents and children who share similar experiences with vision challenges.
Why Great Glasses Play Day Matters
Wearing glasses can be a big adjustment for children. Many kids feel self-conscious or worry that glasses will make them stand out. The Great Glasses Play Day was designed to turn that feeling around—helping children see their glasses as a symbol of strength, individuality, and clarity.
By celebrating this day, communities shine a light on the importance of early eye exams and proper vision correction. Detecting eye problems early in life ensures children can succeed in school, sports, and daily activities. Good vision isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s about building confidence, focus, and a sense of empowerment.
Fun Ways to Celebrate Great Glasses Play Day
Here are some simple and creative ways you can celebrate this meaningful event with your family:
- Show Off Your Frames: Have everyone in the family wear glasses for the day—even if they’re non-prescription frames—to show solidarity and make your child feel special.
- Read Together: Choose books featuring characters who wear glasses to reinforce positive associations with eyewear.
- Get Crafty: Help your child make paper glasses for their dolls, stuffed animals, or even pets!
- Play “See and Do” Games: Engage in fun activities that highlight how much clearer and easier life is with glasses—like puzzles, reading challenges, or outdoor sports.
- Throw a Glasses Party: Celebrate your child’s first pair of glasses or their ongoing journey with a themed party featuring glasses-shaped decorations and activities.
- Share Your Story: If your child recently started wearing glasses, talk to other parents about your experience and how vision correction improved your child’s learning and confidence.
Raising Awareness About Children’s Eye Health
The Great Glasses Play Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a chance to spread awareness about children’s vision health. Many vision problems can go unnoticed without a proper eye exam, which is why the American Optometric Association and other health organizations support this initiative.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children for a comprehensive eye exam early in life to detect and treat potential issues before they affect learning or development. With the right pair of glasses or contact lenses, children can see clearly and feel proud of who they are.
Join the Celebration and Spread the Message
This year, join the Great Glasses Play Day movement and help your child—and others—see glasses in a new light. Whether you host a local event, participate online, or simply share your story, your support can inspire other families to take children’s eye health seriously.
At Eyeson Group, we believe every child deserves clear vision and confidence in their appearance. Our team proudly supports Great Glasses Play Day and offers a wide range of stylish, durable eyewear options for kids, along with expert care for all ages.
Celebrate clear vision and confidence—visit us in Randolph, Worcester, Lincoln, or Cranston to explore our children’s eyewear collections and learn more about proper vision care for growing eyes.