Early Childhood Visual Health Resources for Health Care Professionals
Healthy Vision
Vision is an important part of learning, playing, and growing. Early detection and treatment are important to correct and optimize visual health
Vision Screening in Early Childhood
Vision plays a critical role in early childhood learning and development. Research shows that 80% of children’s learning is gained through their eyes and that one in four school-age children may have a vision problem (Ministry of Health, 2017).
Pediatric vision concerns frequently go undetected, as children may not recognize that they are having trouble seeing, so they don’t complain to their parents or caregivers about their eyesight. For parents and caregivers, there may be no obvious sign or symptom indicating a vision problem in their child. As a result, vision issues can persist without identification during key developmental periods. Primary care providers play a key role in connecting parents and caregivers with visual health information during well-child visits.
The Rourke Baby Record includes age-appropriate vision screening components, such as the red reflex test for detection of serious ocular disease, the cover/uncover test for strabismus, and visual acuity screening at 3 to 5 years of age (Canadian Association of Optometrists, 2024). Incorporating these assessments into routine care supports early identification and timely referral for further evaluation when indicated. In addition to in-office screening, providers can reinforce the importance of comprehensive eye examinations, as the Ontario Association of Optometrists (2024) recommends that every child have their first eye exam at 6 months of age to ensure proper vision development, again at 2 to 3 years of age, and annually thereafter.
Childhood Vision Care Access and Support Programs
- Annual eye exams by an optometrist are covered by OHIP for anyone 19 years old and younger.
- The Eye See, Eye Learn program provides eye exams and glasses to Ontario children in junior and senior kindergarten. Access more information, including promotional materials and downloadable posters, on the Ontario Association of Optometrists website.
- For more information about financial assistance for eyeglasses, families can call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331.