Towards the end of summer, leading up to the first day of school, I often scramble to make an appointment with the kids' pediatrician so that my kids can have their regular physical exam before school starts. It's always neat to see how much they've grown over the past year but I also feel it is important to monitor their growth and development, while also making sure they are up-to-date with their vaccines. Just as important as a physical exam, a regular eye exam can help ensure that kids can reach their full potential during the school year. It's never any fun when a child struggles to read the blackboard. Trust me. I know. I've had glasses since I was five years old. Up until then, I truly believed that the blurred lettering on the board had to do with the fact that I sat at the back of the room. I was certain that it was blurry for my classmates sitting next to me as well. Luckily, my teacher caught me squinting and suggested I get my eyes checked and, sure enough, I was indeed nearsighted.

While neither of my children have exhibited any signs that they may need glasses, I still want to make sure that their eyes are healthy. Recently, I booked an appointment for my nine-year-old son at the Loblaws Optical Department at Bayview Village. It had been about two years since his last eye screening and he was feeling slightly apprehensive. I talked him through what to expect and reassured him that he could always ask the optometrist any questions before proceeding to the next step. It was our first time at this location and, when we arrived for our appointment, we were surprised to see what appeared to be a high-tech diagnostic machine, which we later learned is called a tonometer.

After being greeted by friendly staff, my son was directed to sit down in a chair in front of the tonometer. I had never even seen a tonometer before, nor did I know what it was for but the staff was quick to share that it is used as part of a diagnostic test that measures the curvature of the cornea, as well as the pressure inside your eye. During this test, the tonometer blows a puff of air into the eye. Although it startled him slightly, my son laughed it off and thought it was cool when I showed him a picture I took of his eye as seen on the monitor. 

Shortly afterwards, we were invited into the exam room where the optometrist conducted further tests. She was so great with my son and was sensitive to how hesitant he felt about certain parts of the exam. Her pleasant demeanor and patience made the whole experience that much easier. While my son did not need a prescription for eyeglasses, the optometrist did note that his vision was off ever so slightly. This is something I will definitely be keeping an eye on (pun intended). Before we left the Loblaws Optical Department, we took a look at some of the cool frames that are available for kids.


I was so happy to see that they continue to offer the Kids See Free program, which is available for children from ages 4-10 years old. They can receive any frame valued up to $49 and single vision, polycarbonate ‘kids safe’ lenses for free with a current prescription. And that includes a basic scratch resistant coating! This program is available year-round so you can take your kids in when it's convenient for you. I only wish they had this program when I was a kid. My parents didn't have any benefits and well, I was known to break my eyeglasses every now and again. But that's a story for another day...

Disclosure: I am participating in the Loblaws Optical Kids See Free campaign and have been compensated for this post. Any opinions expressed therein are my own.

It’s that time again! Backpacks, lunch bags, pencils, pens… the never-ending list for back to school. But wait… is something missing? 

I recently had the pleasure of bringing my son to the Loblaw Optical Department, at the East York Loblaws in Toronto, for his yearly eye exam. As a mother and teacher, I can appreciate the importance of vision care, and as such, believe that an eye exam should be a regular part of every parent’s back to school routine. I’ve frequently seen first-hand how difficult school can become for a student who struggles to see clearly. Eyeglasses, with the proper prescription, can sometimes mean the difference between failure and success in the classroom. However, according to the recent Loblaw Kids Eye Health Survey, a concerning 35% of Canadian parents do not plan to schedule an appointment to have their children’s eyes checked before school begins. Luckily, Loblaw Optical Departments, have made it even easier for busy moms and dads to bring their kids to get their eyes checked. With their optical labs conveniently located in store, parents can easily do their grocery shopping, while their eyewear prescriptions are being filled.

While my son had his eyes checked, I had the opportunity to speak with the optician on the topic of current eye care issues with children, and some important vision facts. He explained that today’s children are now in front of tablet and computer screens more than ever before, at home and at school, and that long and frequent exposure will, sadly, affect their sight. Unfortunately, even with this increased need in eye examinations, the number of children who are being brought in to have their vision checked yearly is not increasing. He also mentioned that parents should be made aware of the many benefits that are available through OHIP for vision care for children. For example, even if a child has had their eyes checked, but new concerns or problems arise throughout the year, parents are always able to bring their child back at any time, for additional appointments, free of charge. Also of note is The Kids See Free Program, which ensures that children aged 4-10 years receive any frame, valued up to $49.00, with kids safe polycarbonate lenses, for free. (Additional upgrades to the frames and/or lenses are not included.)  Ultimately, with all of these facts and information in mind, the importance of having your children’s eyes examined couldn’t be any clearer!

The Kids See Free Program is available at Optical Departments at Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws, Zehrs, Fortinos, Your Independent Grocer, Atlantic Superstore, and Dominion Stores in Newfoundland.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Picture this: It's 1984 and I'm sitting at my desk at the very back of the classroom. The teacher has just asked the class to copy what she had written on the board into our writing books. For some reason, I cannot clearly distinguish the words. The letters appear to be blurry. I squint. I lean forward. It takes me longer than most but I manage to complete the simple task. A few days later, my teacher suggests that I get my eyes checked, that perhaps I needed glasses. Me? Glasses? Those are for old people, I thought. I was only six. 

If it hadn't been for my Grade 1 teacher, I don't think I would have thought anything was wrong with my vision. I simply attributed it to the fact that I was sitting far away from the blackboard. Even while playing in the school yard looking for my friends, it was difficult to identify them from far away but surely it was due to the distance between us. The closer we were to each other, the clearer their facial features became. At home, it was a matter of plopping myself directly in front of the television set and I wouldn't have any problems, other than getting yelled at for sitting too closely. It wasn't until I tried on my first tiny pair of glasses that I was able see the world in a whole new way. 

This month is Children’s Vision Month and, along with Doctors of Optometry, I would like to stress the importance of taking your school-aged children between ages of 3-12 to a Doctor of Optometry to assess their vision and overall eye health. Our paediatrician was very pro-active in this regard and recommended a Doctor of Optometry once my daughter had turned three. Since, as a mom, I cannot determine 100% if my children have healthy eyes, I felt relieved knowing that, based on their eye exam, my children's eyes were healthy. I experienced first hand how vision problems can affect one's learning and would like to avoid similar struggles where my kids are concerned. 

The fact is 1 in 4 school-age children has a vision problem. This is a staggering statistic, especially when coupled with the fact that 80% of learning is based on vision. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that vision problems can prevent children from reaching their full potential. Furthermore, many children are unaware that they may be experiencing vision difficulties because they may simply assume everyone sees the way they do. A comprehensive eye exam provides the full assurance of vision and eye health, unlike a simple eye-chart test or a school vision screening. 

During Children’s Vision Month, it is important to recall the following recommendation: 

As a teacher of over 200 students, I have witnessed on many occasions the difficulties experienced by students with vision problems. I can empathize with them and make accommodations for them but at the end of the day, I am not a Doctor of Optometry.  Let’s do our children a favour and get their eyes examined regularly. Trust me. It could make a world of difference. 

For more information please visit:

facebook.com/AskaDoctorofOptometry 

www.doctorsofoptometry.ca