For vision-impaired, Potter a sight for sore eyes
"Four eyes." "Bug eyes." "Poindexter."
These were classic insults hurled at innocent children who wore eyeglasses for years. But these cruel nicknames are not really applicable.
No, contacts were the not the savior; Harry Potter was. The young wizard's magic has made eyeglasses attractive to children, according to a recent British poll that was releases this month.
More than 1,000 children were asked to identify the top 10 celebrity faces with eye specs in a poll conducted by Britain's College of Optometrists. Children identified Potter as the top celebrity with glasses, edging out Johnny Depp for the second spot.
Some of the other names in the list were Elton John and comedian Mike Myers. Even the actor who plays Potter on the big screen, Daniel Radcliffe, has gained acknowledgement as an eyeglasses icon, according to the same poll.
"It's hard to say that all the children are happy about glasses because of (Harry Potter), but I can definitely see how that would make children more comfortable with the idea of wearing glasses," said Jennifer Rausch, an optician for Steinmetz and Associates in Naperville. "We do have a wide selection here, so children already have a lot to choose from than say 30 years ago. But, I do think Potter is a good example for (children)."
Contact Mike Mitchell at mmitchell@scn1.com or 630-416-5279.