Loblaw focuses on child eye care and diabetes education

The Loblaw optical department is offering free eyeglasses with no purchase required to all kids between the ages of four and 10.

The offer is available this September at 95 select store locations across the country.

Loblaw was inspired by an Ontario provincial government program promising to provide free eyeglasses to children entering junior kindergarten.

Also new this fall, Loblaw is extending its Get Checked Now program with the Canadian Diabetes Association.

The Get Checked Now program will now offer support for disease management for newly diagnosed patients and those living with diabetes for several years, by offering two types of education sessions led by a Canadian Diabetes Association community presenter available through the PC Cooking Schools and Community Rooms.

Also offered will be diabetes-friendly cooking classes and store tours led by a dietitian to learn how to read food labels and make healthy food choices.

The program is available at participating in-store Loblaw pharmacy and DRUGstore Pharmacy locations, and offers personalized computerized diabetes risk assessments including a customized printout.

Since February 2011, Loblaw pharmacists have completed more than 13,000 diabetes risk assessments.

"Working with the Canadian Diabetes Association is another example of Loblaw's commitment to help Canadians live healthier lives," says Bobbi Reinholdt, senior vice-president, Pharmacy, Loblaw Companies Limited.

"Our pharmacists can provide personalized diabetes risk assessments at any time as well as education on managing diabetes, including diabetes medication reviews. Loblaw and its pharmacies aim to support Canadians' healthier lifestyle goals in a one stop shop experience."