FREE Eye Exams and Glasses for Jr. Kindergarten Students in Ontario

At what age should you get your child's eyes examined?

The OntarioAssociation of Optometrists recommends babies get their first eye exam at the age of 6 months, then at age 3, before junior kindergarten and every year after that. Why? Because comprehensive eye exams not only check the child’s vision, but the optometrist performs a thorough check of the back of the eye to ensure the eyes are healthy and developing properly. Your child does not have to read the Big E chart or be verbal in order to take a trip to the Optometrist. Booking an appointment with your Optometrist is just as important as well baby checkups and vaccinations.

Did you know?

You don’t have to have a referral to see an Optometrist. All you need is your child’s OHIP card and the eye examinations are free age 19 and under!

Things to watch for:

If you notice your child rubbing his eyes frequently, blinking excessively, failing to maintain eye contact or if one eye turns inwards or outwards, then it’s definitely time to book an appointment.

Some interesting facts:

• Each year, fewer than 10 per cent of children have an eye exam before entering school, despite the fact that 25 per cent of all children have a vision problem significant enough to impair their ability to learn. Eye exams can also detect asymptomatic, but potentially life-threatening, eye conditions.
• Five to 10 per cent of preschool children have an undetected vision problem (Robinson, Bobier and Martin, 1999/2000)
• Approximately 60 per cent of children with literacy problems have an undiagnosed vision problem
• 80 per cent of all learning is visual, (Imus, HA. Visual efficiency. Hygeia, The Health Magazine. 1941:1-8)
• Vision problems can impact a child’s hand-eye coordination for physical activities and even their social development

 

The EyeSee…Eye Learn Program®

• The Ontario Association of Optometrists has developed The Eye See…Eye Learn® program for students entering Junior Kindergarten this year.
• If your child requires glasses, they will receive one pair free of charge through the program due to the generous sponsorship of the Eyewear & Corporate Partners
• OAO has launched a video called Sarah’s Story which highlights the value that regular eye examinations by a Doctor of Optometry can provide for children with undiagnosed vision and health-related problems.
• Click here to find a list of participating optometrists in your area. The Eye See...Eye Learn® program will help make sure our kindergarten students get the best start to learning.

Make your Child's First Test an Eye Exam!