Did you know that 80% of children’s learning is gained through their eyes?  However, 1 in 4 school-age children may have a vision problem that makes it difficult to learn.

When vision is not clear or does not provide a focused image to the developing brain, it can result in permanent loss of vision in one or both eyes.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following:

• Infants and toddlers to have their first eye exam between the ages of 6 – 9 months.
• Preschoolers to have at least one eye exam between ages 2 – 5 years.
• School-age children between the ages of 6 – 19 years to have annual eye exams.

Annual eye exams by an optometrist are covered by OHIP for children and youth age 19 and under.  Junior kindergarten students are eligible for a free pair of eye glasses through the Eye See Eye Learn program if needed.

For more information, visit Toronto Public Health.