Newfoundland and Labrador Eye See Eye Learn Program

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On December 23, 2020, the Department of Health and Community Services announced a new pilot program that supports children as they prepare to start school. The program, known as Eye See Eye Learn, is designed to allow children to overcome potential barriers to eye exams and contributes to a more positive learning experience, as well as an overall improvement to their quality of life.

The Eye See Eye Learn Program provides a comprehensive eye examination for any children preparing for kindergarten who are not covered under private insurance, and provides one pair of free prescription eyeglasses to children who require them. Where available, the parent is required to access private insurance before seeking financial assistance from the program.

The Essilor Foundation is providing the eyeglasses free of charge to children who require them, and the program is administered through the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists.

There are approximately 63 optometrists in the province, located in all four regions. In areas of Newfoundland and Labrador where there is no access to an optometrist, the program runs in tandem with the Public Health Pre-School Health Check eye screening.

Is my child eligible?

To be eligible, a child must be attending Kindergarten in September 2023, live in Newfoundland and Labrador, and have a valid MCP card.

What is provided through the program?

If eligible, your child may be provided free eye examination and one pair of prescription eyeglasses (if required and not covered by your personal insurance or another government program).

How can my child participate?

  1. Book an appointment with a Newfoundland and Labrador Optometrist to arrange an eye examination for your child. Find an Optometrist at https:/nlao.org
  2. Complete the Eye See Eye Learn application form available here and give it to the Optometrist at your child’s eye examination.
  3. If your child is covered by insurance, please bring a copy of your insurance documents to your appointment. The Department of Health and Community Services (HCS) will cover the cost of any amount not covered by your insurance (to a maximum of $80.00 per child). If you do not have insurance, HCS will cover the cost of the eye examination (to a maximum of $80.00). If required, and not covered by your insurance, the program will provide one free pair of prescription eyeglasses per child.
  4. Please remember to bring your child’s valid MCP card with you to your appointment.