Information from Public Health:Visual Health
Visual health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends that children have their first eye exam at 6 months old, again at 3 years old, yearly after that, or as recommended by an eye doctor. In Ontario, children and youth 0-19 are eligible for a FREE comprehensive eye exam every 12 months through OHIP.
Parents may be the first to identify a potential vision issue. If you notice your child showing any of these signs, book a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor.
- Headaches or irritability
- Avoiding near or distance work
- Covering or rubbing the eyes
- Tilting of the head or having unusual posture
- Using a finger to maintain place while reading
- Losing place while reading
- Leaving words out or confusing words when reading
- Not doing as well as they could in school
Information for Junior Kindergarten
If required, children in JK qualify for one pair of free glasses through the Eye See…Eye Learn® program. Children born in 2015 are eligible for the Eye See…Eye Learn® program until June 30, 2020. CLICK HERE for more information.
Information for Senior Kindergarten
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health offers free school-based vision screening for SK students. Vision screening does not replace the need for a full exam by an eye doctor on a yearly basis or whenever there is a concern. CLICK HERE for more information.
If you need help finding an eye doctor, you may search for one at www.findaneyedoctor.ca or call our Let’s Talk Parenting line at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616 for help.
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