Eye Exams, Tonometers and Free Frames, Oh My!
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
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...
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.
14 COMMENTS
Eye exams are so important. Great info. I will let my son know. Thanks
ReplyDeleteGreat to know that kids can get free glasses with this program, eye health is so important. (Judy Cowan)
ReplyDeleteOur superstore doesn't have this, but I'd like it to.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great program!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great program! Eye exams are so important. We go every year
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of Kids Free Program. Kudo's to Loblaws for providing this. Kids are expensive enough I would hate to think their eye health would suffer due to the expense for the parents.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great program for families. Thanks for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing , its so important to have eye exams :) Treen Goodwin Rafflecopter name :)
ReplyDeleteI need to get an eye exam soon!
ReplyDeleteOur daughter has regular exams especially since she wears glasses. I have to become regular with myself and hubby. LOL
ReplyDeleteEye health is so important we must remember to check often
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this wonderfully written article. I do have to add that children need to get their eyes checked by an ophthalmologist as young as 6 months of age, to rule out any kind of eye related disease or cancers. I can't stress this enough.
ReplyDeleteSo important for the school years!
ReplyDeleteGreat program for kids, very helpful and important too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to leave a comment here on Toronto Teacher Mom. Hope you have a great day!