Iris Optometrists & Opticians's Blog

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Vision Care Programs for Children 18 and Under in Canada

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The eye health of young people is a crucial priority to ensure their optimal development, both academically and personally. In Canada, several programs and initiatives are in place to ensure that children and adolescents receive the eye care they need. This article explores Canada's main vision care programs for young people aged 18 and under. The importance of vision care: Early detection of vision problems is essential to avoid long-term complications. Uncorrected vision problems can affect a child's ability to learn and interact with their environment. Regular eye examinations can detect myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and amblyopia (lazy eye) at an early stage. Vision care programs by province: Ontario - In Ontario, the "Eye See...Eye Learn®" program offers free eye exams to kindergarteners. This program is essential for identifying vision problems early on in school. If a correction is needed, children receive a free pair of glasses. Eye exams are also covered for young people aged 19 and under. Quebec - In Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) program covers eye examinations for children under 18 once every 12 months. This program gives families easy access to optometric care at no additional cost. In addition, the See Better to Succeed financial assistance program offers a fixed amount of $300 to reimburse the purchase of glasses or contact lenses prescribed by a professional to correct vision for any child under 18. This initiative aims to reduce the financial barriers to access to corrected vision, enabling more children to succeed at school and in their daily lives. British Columbia - In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers annual eye exams for children up to age 18. Parents can ensure their children receive the necessary care to maintain good visual health. Alberta - In Alberta, the "Eye See...Eye Learn®" program is also in place for kindergarten children. In addition, eye examinations are covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for young people under 19. National initiatives: In addition to provincial programs, several national initiatives aim to improve the eye health of young Canadians. The Canadian Foundation for Eye Disease (CFOD) and the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) are working together to educate parents and teachers about the importance of regular eye exams and to provide resources for access to vision care. Vision care programs for young people 18 and under in Canada are essential to ensure that all children can develop to their full potential without being hindered by uncorrected vision problems. By taking advantage of the free or subsidized eye exams available in their province, parents can ensure that their children's vision health is well cared for. For more information, consult local resources or talk to a vision care professional. Make an Appointment: https://iris.ca/en/exam

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