An eye exam is performed by an optometrist and identifies eye diseases and vision problems. During an eye exam, your optometrist will check your child for the following:
A comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist is the only way to tell if your child's eyes are developing properly. Many eye health problems can be treated if they are caught early.
It is recommended that all children have their first eye exam at six months old. Preschool children should have at least one eye exam between the ages of two and five years of age. At age six, school children should begin having annual eye exams. Junior or senior kindergarten school entry is an ideal time for a child’s eyes to be examined.
Your child can visit an optometrist, family doctor or primary health care provider. You can find an optometrist at optom.on.ca (external link).
The Halton Region Health Department does not perform eye exams.
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the cost of one major eye exam for vision and general eye health every 12 months for children 19 years and younger.
An eye exam completed by an optometrist that includes a full assessment, diagnosis, advice, treatment and eyeglasses (if needed).
A series of tests that can detect potential risk factors of certain vision disorders and may identify when a referral to an optometrist is necessary. A vision screening cannot diagnose vision disorders and does not replace a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist.
Many children participate in vision screening or sight test programs at school. Vision screenings are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. Only a comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist can detect childhood eye diseases and vision problems.
No. The Health Department refers families to their doctor, primary health care provider or local optometrist.
Yes, there are a few local programs available to eligible Halton residents: