Kids See Free Program at Loblaw Optical Centres

With our children back to school, I am sure we all remembered to get them all the necessities they need for the school year. This is also the time for us, as parents to think about our children's eyesight. If we are unaware that our children are having a hard time seeing the blackboard or reading it might impact their learning. During my recent visit to the Loblaw Optical Centre, I learned a few ways we can recognize if our children need glasses.

Here is a checklist of signs to see if your child may need an eye-exam. 

• Having difficulty reading 
• Sitting close to the TV or holding a book too close 
• Frequent eye rubbing and squinting
• Sensitivity to light or excessive tearing 
• Closing one eye to read or watch TV 
• Avoiding using a computer because it hurts their eyes 
• Having trouble seeing the chalk board 
• Receiving lower grades than usual 

You can do a little test by randomly asking children to read or spot something that is far which you can see, and test their vision. Even if your child has no symptoms or diagnosed vision problems, you should still get their eyes tested annually. I am glad that OHIP covers the yearly visits to the Optometrists for children, so I take my children to ensure that their vision is fine. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, one in four school-aged children have a vision problem. Since vision is linked to learning, it is important we take this seriously and get our children's eyesight checked every year! I am happy school boards such as the Toronto District School Board takes the initiative to do quick vision examinations in some schools to let parents know if there are changes in their children's vision.

To avoid future eye problems, it is best to take precautions. Wearing sunglasses especially in the winter is important, as the UV rays from the sun is stronger in the winter because it reflects on snow and bounces to our eyes. In the summer the grass usually absorbs majority of the UV rays, so wearing sunglasses can prevent eye problems. 

Loblaw Optical Centres are putting the right lens on learning with the Kids See Free Program, where children age 4 to 10 years receive free eyeglasses. The program is available at the Optical Department located in Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Zehrs, Fortinos and Your Independent Grocery locations. This program now in its fifth year has already delivered more than 5,000 pairs of glasses to Canadian kids. 

All parents need to do is bring the prescription that is within 90 days of the eye exam, and get one pair of glasses with frames up to $49 that is made of polycarbonate kids safe lenses with single vision. We can use this offer once per year. If you want extra features such as coating or another selection of frames then you can pay the difference. Visit the local Optical Department to know which days the Optometrists is available so you can get the eye examination and grocery shopping done the same time.

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