The Eye See…Eye Learn® program is dedicated to making sure that parents across Ontario understand the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams for children. It is important to note that vision screenings and sight tests that are sometimes done at a child's school are not the same as a comprehensive eye exam.
How it works
The program encourages parents to book a comprehensive eye exam for their junior or senior kindergarten child with a local, participating optometrist (of which Dr. Jessica St. Pierre at Petrolia Optometry is one). The eye exam is covered by OHIP. All children are entitled to yearly OHIP-covered eye exams until they turn 20.
If a child needs glasses, they will receive a complimentary pair donated by Essilor Canada, Modern Optical, and the participating optometrist. The estimated value of the glasses is over $300.
Only children in junior or senior kindergarten can participate in the program. If you are unsure if your child is eligible, please call the office and we would be happy to help.
To participate in the program call Petrolia Optometry and book an exam for your kindergarten student. The office will take care of submitting all necessary documentation for the exam and any prescription eyeglasses that may be needed.
Why kindergarten children?
The Eye See...Eye Learn® program was developed to teach parents the importance of having their children’s eyes checked before starting school. Each year, thousands of children start school without ever having an eye exam, even though 80 percent of learning comes directly through vision. In fact, children who cannot see the board, focus on a picture, or follow words in a book may struggle to achieve their full learning potential. Sadly, one in four school-aged children has an undetected vision problem that is affecting their learning.
Vision problems can also impact a child’s social development and hand-eye coordination for physical activities. That is why the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) recommends comprehensive eye examinations for all children entering junior and senior kindergarten.
There is an important link between eye health and education, and the Eye See...Eye Learn® program helps ensure junior kindergarten students get the best start in learning.
Visit the Eye See Eye Learn website to learn more: https://optom.on.ca/esel/
Learn more in the following video:
ESEL is funded in part by the Government of Ontario.
