Early Identification Could Help Your Child’s Vision

This past year, the Health Unit developed a program to promote early identification of vision problems in children. This program looked at early vision screening services that were already in place, as well as the information and educational needs of parents, caregivers and health professionals related to early vision screening.

A group make up of representatives from the Health Unit, the Upper Canada School Board, an optometrist, a parent, a family physician, and a staff member of the Child Care Resources developed the program.

Important messages relayed to the target groups included:
All parents should take their children to have their eyes examined (when the child is three years old) by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or family physician. Children with risk factors, should have their eyes examined by one year of age.

Annual eye exams are fully covered by OHIP for all children up to the age of 20 years.

Vision has an impact on a child's learning and development - early identification of problems can help to ensure that a child develops to their maximum potential. Treatment is usually more successful when problems are identified at an early age.

Teachers and caregivers are in a position to recognize signs and symptoms of vision problems in children, and should encourage parents to have their children's eyes checked.