Children’s Visual Health Program

Parent notifications with detailed information will be sent home with your child before the screening takes place. All SK students in attendance will be screened unless the Health Unit receives notification from a guardian that they do not want their child to participate. Please contact the Health Unit or your child’s school for scheduled screening dates.

Learn more in this video by the Children's Visual Health Program at Ottawa Public Health:

Please contact the TBDHU Children's Visual Health Program at (807) 625-5984 for more information.

Adapted with permission of Ottawa Public Health. For educational and non-commercial purposes only.

Students in senior kindergarten will be screened by TBDHU staff at school using three short, non-invasive tests. The tests will check for potential signs of vision problems commonly found in children. The three tests are:

1. Autorefractor: The student’s eyes will be scanned with a camera to measure the size and shape of the eyes
2. HOTV Visual Acuity Chart: The student will be asked to identify letters on a chart to measure clarity or sharpness of vision
3. Randot 3D Vision Test: The student will be asked to identify or point to shapes while wearing 3D glasses to measure depth perception

Children who wear glasses will be screened with their glasses on. After the screening, the student will receive a card and results letter to bring home. If any of the three tests show potential signs of a vision problem, guardians will be advised to book a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist. If a student passes the screening, guardians are still encouraged to book an eye exam. Vision screening cannot detect all vision problems and does not replace a child’s regular visits to an optometrist.

If your child misses the screening at school, we encourage you to book an eye exam with an optometrist. To find an optometrist in Thunder Bay and District, visit www.findaneyedoctor.ca.

Annual eye exams are covered by OHIP for children 0-19 years.

It can be difficult to spot vision problems in children. Vision problems can affect your child’s eye health, learning, and social development. Left untreated, vision problems can affect a child's eye health for life. That’s why it’s important to have your child’s eyes checked by an optometrist early in life, and regularly as they continue to grow.

Signs that your child may be having trouble seeing include:

• Covering or closing one eye 
• Red, itchy eyes
• Crossed eyes
• Headaches
• Excessive squinting or blinking
• Reduced hand-eye coordination and participation in physical activity
• Reduced concentration
• Holding objects too close
• Light sensitivity
• Having to sit close to the computer or TV screen
• Difficulty seeing the board at school
• Difficulty reading, or using a finger to maintain place while reading

Children can keep their eyes healthy by:

• Visiting an optometrist for eye exams regularly
• Wearing glasses or eye treatments as prescribed by an optometrist
• Limiting screen time
• Wearing effective sunglasses and brimmed hats to protect from Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Eating nutritious foods
• Washing hands before touching the eyes
• Wearing protective eyewear during activities that may cause harm to the eyes

Did you know? The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the cost of a comprehensive eye examination once every 12 months for all children (0-19 years) with an OHIP card.

A comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist includes:

• Reviewing your child’s health history
• Checking the eye’s ability to focus, see clearly, and see 3D objects 
• Checking eye position
• Checking eye health
• Identifying if your child is meeting visual developmental milestones; and
• Determining if your child needs glasses or other treatment (like eye drops, referral to a health care provider, etc.)

The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends children have eye exams by an optometrist:

• At six months;
• Before starting kindergarten; and
• Annually each school year

To find an optometrist near you, visit www.findaneyedoctor.ca. If you any questions, contact the Children’s Visual Health Program at (807) 625-5984.

Provincial Visual Health Services

Eye See…Eye Learn

This program encourages parents/guardians of Junior Kindergarten/Senior Kindergarten students to book a comprehensive eye exam at a participating optometrist. The cost of the exam is covered by OHIP. If the child needs glasses, they will receive a complimentary pair valued at over $250.

Visit the Eye See Eye Learn program website for eligibility requirements and to find a participating optometrist.

Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program

Families receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) can contact their caseworker for information on accessing glasses.

If you receive ODSP income support, and do not have vision care coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, you and your family may be eligible for assistance with the following vision care costs:

• All eligible persons may receive new lenses and frames every 3 years when required.
• Children can receive new lenses anytime there is a change in their prescription.
• Assistance with the costs for repairs to glasses is also provided

Visit ODSP Health Benefits: Vision and ODSP: Income Support for more information.

Find your nearest Ontario Works and ODSP office location and contact information here.

Non-insured Health Benefits (NIHB)

The federal government provides vision care benefits for registered First Nations and Inuit persons.

Local Visual Health Services

Optometrists

To find an optometrist near you, visit Find an Eye Doctor. If you need help finding an optometrist or have any questions, contact the Children’s Visual Health Program at (807) 625-5984.

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Ontario – Blind-Low Vision Program

This program, through the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, gives children who are blind or partially sighted specialized, family-centered services from birth to Grade 1. The program offers family support, intervention services to support the child’s development, and consultation services with child care and learning centres. Services are available locally in the Thunder Bay District. A referral from a health care provider is required. For more information call 1-866-821-7770 or visit the Vision Loss Rehabilitation Program's website.