Drs. Aceti, Hayes-Sheen, Ambeault & Burns
Complimentary Eyeglasses in Ontario for Junior Kindergarten Students
Did you know that 80% of learning is accomplished through vision? Children who have difficulty seeing what is written on the board, focusing on a picture, or following words in a book are at a disadvantage when it comes to achieving their full learning potential. Vision problems can also impact their hand-eye coordination during physical activities and even impact their social development.
Children may not be aware that they have a vision problem. They can’t always tell you what they see. One out of 4 children suffers from a significant eye problem that can interfere with learning and development. The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends that every young child have complete eye examinations at age 6 months, 3 years and annually thereafter.
The Ontario Association of Optometrists, in cooperation with Nikon Lenswear, OGI and participating optometrists, offers complimentary eyeglasses for junior kindergarten students in Ontario. Funded in part by the Government of Ontario, The Eye See…Eye Learn® program provides comprehensive eye exams to junior kindergarten students across Ontario. These exams are performed by participating local optometrists, including Station Tower Optometry. The eye exams are covered under provincial health insurance (or OHIP) when you show your child’s health card. This means that there is no out-of-pocket cost for the eye exam.
Does Your Child Exhibit an Unusual Eye Appearance?
- One eye that looks turned in or out?
- Bumps, sties, redness, swelling or crusting of eyelids?
- Drooping eyelid?
- Haziness or whitish appearance inside the pupil?
- Frequently watery eyes?
Does Your Child Have Any Difficulties with Learning?
- Has poor posture when reading/writing?
- Has poor handwriting?
- Moves head, loses place, skips lines when reading?
- Uses more effort than normal to complete school work?
- Works hard but is not achieving the expected level at school?
Does Your Child Behave In A Way That Could Suggest A Vision Problem?
- Does not watch or follow an object?
- Touches things to help recognize them?
- Does not make eye contact?
- Closes or covers one eye?
- Squints or frowns when looking far or near?
- Rubs or touches the eyes a lot?
- Blinks more than usual?
- Reacts strongly to light?
- Turns or tilts head when viewing objects?
- Holds objects very close to face?
- Dislikes near tasks?
- Loses interest quickly or becomes irritable with visual activities?
- Has poor depth perception or trouble seeing 3D?
- Trips, falls or bumps into things often?
- Is uncoordinated while participating in play activities and sports?
Is Your Child At Risk For Vision Problems?
- Does a family member have a turned or lazy or blind eye?
- Does a family member have glasses with high power?
- Has any family member had early childhood cataracts or glaucoma?
- Were there complications with the pregnancy or delivery?
- Was your child premature at birth?
- Does your child have a hearing loss?
- Has your child been diagnosed as having a health condition that can affect eyes, such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Juvenile arthritis
- Down syndrome
- Autism
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Developmental delay
If your child exhibits any of these behaviours, contact Station Tower Optometry to schedule an eye exam.
