Children entering junior kindergarten this fall in Wellington and Dufferin County are eligible to participate in the free Eye See…Eye Learn (ESEL) program.
ESEL encourages parents to book a comprehensive eye exam for their JK child with a participating doctor of optometry.
The child’s eye exam is covered by OHIP, with a valid health card. If the child should require glasses, they will receive a pair of high quality, impact resistant and UV protected glasses free of charge.
The glasses are generously provided by ESEL partners OGI and Nikon Lenswear.
Vision is a crucial part of learning, yet 93 per cent of children under the age of five have never had a proper eye exam, according to the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO).
In children between the ages of five and nine, 75% of children have not had their eyes examined by a doctor of optometry; despite the fact that annual eye examinations are covered by OHIP for children 19 years of age and under.
Failure to detect certain eye conditions at a young age, such as amblyopia or lazy eye, can result in permanent vision loss and can limit future career options that require good vision in both eyes.
The OAO, with funding from the Ontario government, is partnering with local school boards, health units and corporate partners to raise awareness about the early detection of vision problems so that every child can see and learn to their fullest potential.
The OAO recommends children have their first eye examination at six months of age, then before starting school and annually thereafter.
Children who are entering junior kindergarten in 2014 are eligible for the program and parents can schedule an appointment with an OAO optometrist any time between now and June 30, 2015.
Teachers will also be handing out information about the program at the beginning of the school year.
Eye exams are covered for these children under OHIP and if the child requires glasses they will receive them under ESEL.
For information visit www.eyedrs.ca or www.eyeseeeyelearn.ca or call 1-855-424-ESEL (3735).
