Eye See...Eye Learn® Program offers Free Glasses to Junior Kindergarten Students

Starting preschool or kindergarten can be a very exciting time in a child's life. There is so much to see and do! But imagine not being able to properly see stories that are being read or words or letters on a page? The Eye See...Eye Learn® program wants to make sure that all parents are aware of what their program offers so that no child will experience difficulty learning due to vision problems.

The Eye See...Eye Learn® program provides comprehensive eye exams by local optometrists (or eye doctors) to junior kindergarten students in participating school regions. The eye exams are covered under provincial health insurance (or OHIP) when you show your child’s health card. This means that there is no out-of-pocket cost for the eye exam. If the child requires a pair of glasses, they will receive them FREE of charge courtesy of our participating sponsors.

The Eye See...Eye Learn® program was developed to raise awareness among parents of the importance of having their children's eyes checked upon starting school. Children, who cannot see the board, focus on a picture or follow words in a book may struggle to achieve their full learning potential. Vision problems can also impact their hand-eye coordination for physical activities and even impact their social development. In fact, 80 percent of learning comes directly through vision.

A few facts...

-Each year, fewer than 10 per cent of children have an eye exam before entering school, despite the fact that 25 per cent of all children have a vision problem significant enough to impair their ability to learn. Eye exams can also detect asymptomatic, but potentially life-threatening, eye conditions.
-Five to 10 per cent of preschool children have an undetected vision problem
-Approximately 60 per cent of children with literacy problems have an undiagnosed vision problem
-80 per cent of all learning is visual, so children who cannot see the board or focus on a picture or follow words in a book may struggle to achieve their full learning potential
-Vision problems can impact a child’s hand-eye coordination for physical activities and even their social development

To ensure Ontarians understand the importance of comprehensive eye examinations for children, the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) has launched a video called Sarah’s Story and expanded the Eye See…Eye Learn® program. Please make sure your children’s eyes are examined by a Doctor of Optometry before they begin kindergarten.

Click here to find a list of participating optometrists in your area. Here in Milton I would highly recommend  Dr. Vrkljan AKA Dr. Phill from Milton Optometry. He was fabulous with my 3yr old son when completing his first eye exam.

Think PINK…Let’s Talk About “Pinkeye”!

It’s cold and flu season….aka Pinkeye season 

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

Pinkeye can be alarming because it makes the eyes extremely red and can spread rapidly. But it's a fairly common condition and usually causes no long-term eye or vision damage. Still, if your child shows symptoms of pinkeye, it's important to see an Optometrist ASAP!  Some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, but others require treatment.

Causes 

Bacterial - Red, sore eyes with thick discharge that may make your eyelids stick together, especially after sleeping. This is very contagious.

Viral – Often occurs with a cold or flu. It is also highly contagious, and antibiotics don't help.

Allergic - Kids who have allergies already are more likely to get pinkeye than other children.  This type of infection is not contagious.  Artificial tears, antihistamine eye drops and oral medications are helpful.

Symptoms 

·         Discomfort in the eye (a “sandy” eye)
·         Redness of the eye and inner eyelid
·         Discharge from the eyes
·         Swollen eyelids
·         Sensitivity to bright light
·         Itchiness
·         Burning
·         Tearing

Preventing Pinkeye

·         Teach your kids to wash their hands OFTEN AND WELL with warm water and soap
·         DO NOT rub the eyes!
·         DO NOT share eye drops, tissues, washcloths, towels, or pillowcases
·         Wash your own hands thoroughly after touching an infected child's eyes
·         Throw away items like tissues or cotton balls immediately after they've been used to wipe the eye.
·         Wash towels and other linens that the child has used in very HOT water separately from the rest of the family's laundry
·         Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and get plenty of sleep
·         Keep windows and doors closed on days when the pollen is heavy
·         Dust and vacuum frequently to limit allergy triggers in the home

Treatments 

·         Antibiotic eye drops or ointment
·         Anti-allergy medication
·         Cool or warm compresses
·         Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
·         Removing contact lenses and throwing them away (for older children)

When to Call Your Optometrist 

If you think your child has pinkeye, it's important to contact your Optometrist ASAP to learn what's causing it and how to treat it.

If you or your children have an eye problem or would like a comprehensive eye examination, Milton Optometry welcomes all infants, toddlers and children (and their parents!). 



 

Free Eye Examinations for Junior Kindergarten Students!

Kids are  back in school...is an eye exam on your "to-do" list?

Here's why it should be!

1 in 6 children have a vision problem significant enough to impair their ability to learn. Children don't know they have a vision problem because they don't know what signs to look for. You can't count on your child to tell you they don't see well. 

80% of learning is visual! If a child does not see well, their performance in school will suffer. Vision problems affect literacy, and a child's ability to copy, print, read, and track objects.

Early identification of a vision problem can lead to success! It is recommended that babies as young as 6 months should have their eyes examined by an Optometrist.

For children in the Halton Region, the Eye See...Eye Learn Program provides free eye examinations and prescription glasses (if necessary) for all Junior Kindergarten (JK) students. Milton Optometry is a proud supporter of the Eye See, Eye Learn program and welcomes infants, toddlers and all children to their practice!

Contact us today to reserve an appointment for your child! 

Visit www.miltonoptometry.ca

 phone 905-636-9500

email info@miltonoptometry.ca