Visual Health for Youth

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following: 

• Infants and toddlers should have their first eye examination between the ages of 6 and 9 months.
• Preschool children should have at least one eye examination between the ages of 2 and 5 years.
• School children aged 6 to 19 years should have an eye examination every year.

What is the optometrist looking for in an examination?

• Health and visual history
• Focusing ability
• Eye movement control
• Depth perception
• Colour vision
• Glasses prescription
• Lazy or crossed eyes
• Eye coordination

A valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card covers the cost of an annual eye examination for children and youth aged 0 to 19 years.

With the boom in the use of digital devices, recent studies focused on screen time and children revealed critical outcomes. Symptoms of digital eye strain include headaches, blurry vision, double vision, tired eyes, sore eyes, itchy eyes, burning eyes, and dry eyes.

For more information on the eye strain and recommended screen time for different age groups, visit Canadian Association of Optometrists.

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Eye See... Eye Learn®

Eye See…Eye Learn® helps kindergarten children get the clear vision they need right from the start. Students in Junior and Senior Kindergarten are eligible for a fully insured eye exam through OHIP with a participating Ontario optometrist. If prescribed, children can receive one pair of glasses.  Visit the Eye See... Eye Learn® program website for age eligibility requirements and a list of participating optometrists.  

Families receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program can contact their caseworker for information on assistance with the cost of prescription eyeglasses.

Help with the cost of prescription eyeglasses may be available for low-income families. Call the Community and Social Services Department at 3-1-1 for more information.

The Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention program (Blind-Low Vision program) is available for families with children who have a visual impairment from birth until school entry.

The program offers three types of services:

1. Family support
2. Intervention services
3. Consultation services

Visit these websites for more information:

•      Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention program

•      Eastern Ontario Blind Low Vision Program for regional services (Ottawa, Renfrew County and Eastern counties of Prescott-Russell & Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry).