Q: Has your child had his or her vision checked? How common are vision problems?
Answer: Vision problems are very common. One in six children have vision problems. Many have never had a vision examination.
Q: Can vision problems affect learning?
Answer: Yes. Eighty percent (80%) of what children know is learned through their eyes. Children with poor vision may find it difficult to focus on their work. They may become frustrated and feel less capable than other students. Undetected vision problems, and other factors, may contribute to poorer marks on the report card. Any child having difficulty at school should have a vision examination.
Q: When should children have their first eye exam?
Answer: Children should have a complete eye examination by an optometrist before age three and then as recommended by the optometrist, usually every one or two years.
Q: Will my child tell me if he or she has a vision problem?
Answer: Maybe not. Children don't always know they have a vision problem. They might think that everyone sees things the way that they do.
Q: My child is doing well at school. Should he or she still have regular vision exams?
Answer: Yes. Many children find ways to work extra hard and overcome vision problems. Your child may be able to do even better if his or her vision problem is corrected.
Q: Are eye examinations covered by OHIP?
Answer: Yes. OHIP will pay for an annual eye exam for children. Make sure you take your child's health card with you to the optometrist. |