Vision • Back to Growing Up Healthy The government of Ontario is starting a new program to support families with young children who are identified as blind or low vision. The Blind-Low Vision program will begin in South Eastern Ontario as of September 1, 2007. Watch the provincial website for more info. Why should I worry about my child’s vision? Vision is important to your child’s growth and development. Children think the way that they see is normal. They can’t tell whether or not they have a vision problem. If detected early, many eye conditions can be treated. Untreated eye conditions can worsen and lead to serious problems, as well as affect learning abilities, athletic performance and self-esteem.  My child seems fine. How do I know when to take him to the eye doctor? Many eye conditions are obvious but others are more subtle. Vision problems affect 1 in 20 preschoolers and 1 in 6 school-age children. The Task Force recommends that every child have a complete eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist by the age of 3 years. Vision screening is no longer done at school. It is important that parents take their children to have their eyes examined. But how much will that cost? A complete eye exam is fully covered annually by OHIP for children until the age of 20.  For more information, call the Health Unit's HEALTH ACTION Line: Brockville 613-345-5685, out of town 1-800-660-5853. So make an appointment today to have your child’s eyes checked!