Vision Health

A child’s inability to see things clearly can easily go undetected. In Ontario, one in four school-aged children has a vision problem.

Over 80% of what a child learns in school comes through the eyes. Children need to have good vision to be able to read, learn and reach their full potential.

How often should we see an eye doctor?

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends how often children and adults should see an optometrist based on age:

Age 0 to 2: Infants should have their first eye examination between six and nine months.
Age 2 to 5: Preschool children should have at least one eye exam.
Age 6 to 19: School children should have an eye exam every year.
Age 20 to 39: Adults should have an eye exam every two to three years.
Age 40 to 64: Adults should have an eye exam every two years.
Over age 65: Older adults should have an eye exam every year.

Assistance with the cost of prescription eyeglasses

Eye See… Eye Learn®

The Eye See…Eye Learn® program encourages parents to book a complete eye exam with a local optometrist before the child begins Junior Kindergarten.

The cost of the eye exam is covered by OHIP.

If the child needs eyeglasses, a free pair is donated with the generous support of eyewear partners.

Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program

Vision Care Benefits

Families receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works can contact their caseworker for information on assistance with the cost of prescription glasses.

If you are receiving Ontario Disability Support Program income support, and do not have vision care coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), you and your family may be able to get help with vision care costs.

Coverage for lenses and frames

People eligible for Vision Care Benefits may receive new lenses and frames every three years when necessary. For children, assistance with the cost of new lenses may be provided anytime there is a change in prescription.

Visit these websites for more information:

Low-Income Families

Help with the cost of prescription eyeglasses may be available for low-income families. Contact Low Income People Involvement of Nipissing (LIPI) at 705-472-1337 or lipi@lipinipissing.com.

Services for the Blind

Ontario’s Blind–Low Vision Early Intervention Program provides support for children who are born blind or with low vision. Specialized family-centered services are funded by the province and are available for children from birth to Grade 1.

Non-insured health benefits (NIHB) for First Nations and Inuit

The Government of Canada provides vision care benefits for registered First Nations and recognized Inuit throughout Canada.