Eye See… Eye Learn!

Lisa Barber RDH

Vision health plays a vital role in a child’s growth and development.  In fact, 80% of learning is visual, so undetected vision problems can impact a child’s ability to learn.  Many vision complications have no symptoms and can only be detected through a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist.  Fortunately, many of these can be treated if they are caught early.

As preschoolers prepare to attend school in the fall, the Porcupine Health Unit encourages all parents to book a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist in order to help their child reach their full learning potential.  Children with poor vision often find it difficult to focus on their work; some can be misdiagnosed with a learning or behavioural disability.

In Ontario, eye exams are covered by OHIP for children 0 to 19 years of age. The Ontario Association of Optometrist recommends that children have their first eye exam at 6 months old, another between the ages of 2 and 5, and annually thereafter.