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Visual Health For Children

Visual Health For Children

What is an eye exam?

A comprehensive eye exam is a thorough assessment of your child’s eye health and vision, done by an optometrist (eye doctor). These exams ensure your child’s eyes are developing properly and help detect any vision or eye concerns at an early stage.

Why are eye exams important for children?

  • Regular eye exams monitor your child’s eye development and health. 
  • Vision issues can affect your child’s learning by making it harder to see the classroom board or learn to read.
  • Children often do not report vision loss or visual changes, as they may not know what normal vision should be.
  • Children are particularly good at adjusting if only one eye sees well. Eye exams make sure your child is seeing normally in both eyes.
  • Finding vision problems early means they can be treated before any vision loss becomes permanent. Children grow and change quickly so they require eye exams every year.

Child wearing glasses at an eye exam

At what age should a child get an eye exam? Is there a cost?

The Ontario Association of Optometrists (external link) recommends routine eye exams for children up to age 19 to support healthy vision development. Plan visits at: 

  • 6 months of age
  • 2–3 years of age
  • Annually after 3 years of age

Optometry eye exams are free (every 12 months) for children and youth aged 0-19 with a valid Ontario Health card. Your Ontario Health card also covers necessary follow-up appointments with an eye doctor. 

For more information on eye exams visit the Canadian Association of Optometrists (external link).

Where can my child get an eye exam?

To find an eye doctor, check the College of Optometrists (external link) webpage or contact Health 811 (external link).

You do not need a referral from a family doctor to book an eye exam.

Does Halton Region Public Health offer vision screening or eye exams?

No. Halton Region Public Health does not provide vision screenings or eye exams. Families are encouraged to consult their family doctor, primary care provider, or local optometrist.

Important: Vision screenings are quick checks used to identify possible concerns, but they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. Only a full eye exam performed by a licensed optometrist can properly assess eye health and detect vision problems or eye conditions in children.

Are there programs to help with the cost of purchasing glasses?

Yes, there are local programs available to eligible Halton residents:

Eye See…Eye Learn® (ESEL)

  • Helps detect, diagnose and treat children with vision problems when they begin junior or senior kindergarten
  • Junior or senior kindergarten students receive an eye exam with a participating optometrist (insured by OHIP), and if prescribed, one complementary pair of glasses.
  • Learn more about the Eye See Eye Learn® Program (external link)

OneSite Voucher Program

  • The OneSight voucher is a collaboration between OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation (external link) EssilorLuxottica retail optical stores, and referral organizations to provide a free pair of prescription eyeglasses to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get them.
  • Eligible individuals connect with a charitable referral organization to receive a voucher, which can be used for free glasses at participating LensCrafters or Pearle Vision locations.

Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program

 For families receiving Ontario Works (OW) (external link) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) (external link), talk to your Case Worker for information on coverage for eyeglasses.

Special support

  • Halton Region may provide coverage for eyeglasses through the Low Income Financial Assistance program.
  • Contact Halton Region to confirm eligibility and receive a vision care form before purchasing from an approved vendor.
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