The Department of Health and Community Services is pleased to announce 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 Provincial Government has committed $250,000 annually to the program which will be administered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists. There are approximately 65 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 will run in tandem with the Public Health Pre-School Health Check eye screening.
The Eye See Eye Learn Program will provide a free comprehensive eye examination for every kindergarten-age child resident in the province and provide one pair of free prescription eye glasses to children who require them. Where available, the parent is required to access private insurance before seeking financial assistance from the program.
The glasses are being contributed by the Essilor Foundation, and the program is administered through the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists.
Quote
“A child’s eye health is vital to ensure a positive start to their journey of learning. By addressing any issues early, we can provide children with the tools necessary to enrich their experience at school. We encourage all parents to avail of this program and get your children’s eyes checked by one of this province’s optometrists. We want to thank the NLAO and the Essilor Foundation for their wonderful commitment to eye health in the province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“It is imperative that children have their eyes checked by an optometrist to catch vision limitations early on to ensure that they have the best chance to succeed in school and in life. The Eye See Eye Learn program is designed to detect, diagnose and treat children with vison problems when they begin kindergarten, so that every child can see and learn to the best of their ability.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education
“Good vision is essential for students to reach their full potential. A comprehensive eye exam by an Eye Doctor will diagnose visual health issues and ocular conditions. Many of these issues, if detected while the child’s vision system is still developing, can be corrected. The NLAO thanks the Provincial Government for their recognition of the importance of eye health and for their support of this program. We also thank the Essilor Foundation for their support of the eye glasses for children who require them.”
Dr. Sarah Hutchens
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists
– 30 –
Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @EDU_GovNL and @HCS_GovNL
Like us on Facebook
Media contacts
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca
Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca
Lisa Pike
Executive Director
NLAO
709-765-1096
nlao@bellaliant.net