Eye See…. Eye Learn®

Are you the parent or guardian of a pre-school child getting ready for Kindergarten?

NLAO, the Government of NL and the Essilor Vision Foundation Canada has launched a new program to assist children who do not have insurance coverage for eye exams. To be eligible, a child must be attending Kindergarten in September 2022 or getting ready to attend Kindergarten in 2023, live in Newfoundland and Labrador, and have a valid MCP card
  • +Who do I contact if I have any questions?
    If you have any questions about the program please contact NLAO via email: nlao@bellaliant.net.
  • +How Do I Apply?
    You will need to print and complete the Authorization Form to use this Program. Please click on the download link on this page to get a copy of this form.
  • +What Do I Do With The Completed Authorization Form?
    Bring the completed form to your Optometrist along with your insurance card, if applicable.

The Eye See…Eye Learn program provides an eye exam for any children who are not covered under private insurance when preparing for kindergarten.

Children may struggle in school if they cannot clearly see the teacher, see writing on the white board, if they have difficulty changing their visual focus from far to near distance, or have problems following words in a book or on a tablet. It is important to us that children have a chance to achieve their full learning potential, beginning with eye health.

Since more than 80% of learning is dependent upon vision, having the best vision possible is very important. Unfortunately, as many as 1 in 4 children have a vision problem that may impair their ability to learn.

Children rarely complain of vision problems, often because they are not aware of them. Optometrists are able to determine if a child can see clearly up close and at a distance and if the child’s eyes are working together properly.

There is significantly improved success when treating vision problems if they are found early in a child’s life. Has your child had an eye examination?

Did You Know?

Optometrists have special equipment and training to determine if your child’s eyes are healthy and if they are seeing clearly.

Children do not need to know how to read prior to having an eye examination. Eye examinations can often be booked within the week, and eye exams do not hurt.

If the optometrist diagnoses an eye health problem or recommends vision treatment including glasses, eye patching, or vision training for your child, you should inform your child’s teacher.

How often should I visit the optometrist?

Recommended frequency of examination:

Infants & Toddlers (birth to 2 years): Infants and toddlers should undergo their first exam between the ages of 6 and 9 months

Preschool (2 to 5 years): At least one exam between ages 2 and 5 years

School age (6 to 19 years): Annually or as recommended by your Optometrist.