Eye See ... Eye Learn program available province-wide

Through Eye See ... Eye Learn, children starting Junior Kindergarten are eligible for one complimentary pair of glasses with their annual OHIP eye exam, if prescribed, through participating optometrists. Every child in Ontario who has a valid Ontario Health Card is entitled to an annual OHIP-insured eye exam by a doctor of optometry, up until age 19. The eyewear for the program is donated by Nikon Lenswear, OGI Eyewear and local optometrists.

"The integration of Eye See ... Eye Learn across all of Ontario is a direct result of the program's early success," said Dr. Jeff Goodhew, president of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, in a press release. "While children rarely complain about vision problems, or are even aware of them, statistics show the strong correlation between vision and learning. It is imperative that children have their eyes checked by a Doctor of Optometry to catch vision limitations early on to ensure that they have the best chance to succeed in school and in life."

An untreated eye issue can greatly impede a child's ability to learn, play, and even socialize. Studies show that difficulty learning is often connected to a correctable vision problem – nearly one in four children have a vision problem, many of which are mislabelled as having a learning disability.

Eye See ... Eye Learn is funded in part by the Government of Ontario and administered by the Ontario Association of Optometrists, in conjunction with more than 40 school boards, community and industry partners. More information is available at www.EyeSeeEyeLearn.ca.