I have something very exciting to share with you.  I was absolutely thrilled when I learned of this incredible free health program. It is called Eye See Eye Learn.

Let me tell you a bit about the program.  Children who participate in Eye See Eye Learn receive a free comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist (covered annually by OHIP) and a free pair of high quality eyeglasses should they require them.  This program is currently available to all students in Junior Kindergarten in Halton Region.

The goal of the Eye See Eye Learn program is to detect, diagnose and treat children with vision problems as they start school so that every child can see and learn to the best of their ability.

You might think that your child does not need an eye exam. The  Eye See Eye Learn program wants all parents to be aware of some common myths:

• My child will complain to me if they can’t see well
• I would notice a problem with my child’s eyes if there was one
• Both parents don’t wear glasses so the child won’t require any either
• A child requires the ability to read letters before an eye exam can be performed.

To further convince you watch Jennifer’s Story, a Halton Parent who has just found out her 6 year old daughter is legally blind in one eye– a complete shock to her family.

Did you know?

• 80 per cent of classroom learning is visual
• 1 in 6 children have a vision problem significant enough to impair their ability to learn
• Children with poor vision often find it difficult to focus on their work and may be misdiagnosed as having a learning or behavioural disability
• Good vision is vital to developing skills such as reading, copying and hand eye coordination

I encourage everyone with JK children to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.  Vision is precious and essential for learning.   Simply contact a local optometrist from the Ontario Association of Optometrists to have your child’s Eye See Eye Learn exam by June 30.  Don’t forget to bring your child’s Ontario health card with you on the day of the exam.  It’s that easy!

For more tips and hints about your child’s health and anything else related to parenting:

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• Email us at haltonparents@halton.ca

For parenting information, or to speak with a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.