Vision Screening Program
What is vision screening?
Vision screening is a short sequence of eye tests than can detect risk factors of certain vision disorders. Assessments take approximately 15 minutes per student to complete. These tests cannot diagnose vision disorders. Vision screening is not a replacement for comprehensive eye exams by an eye doctor.
What kinds of eye problems can be detected by vision screening?
Screening helps identify children who are at risk of developing amblyopia (impaired vision). This condition can lead to permanent visual impairment unless treated in early childhood. Other problems detected by vision screening include:
- eye misalignment
- issues with depth perception
- nearsightedness
- farsightedness
- astigmatism
Who performs vision screening?
Trained public health professionals screen Senior Kindergarten students in all schools in the Sudbury and districts’ area.
What does vision screening cost?
Vision screening is free for Senior Kindergarten students through this publicly-funded school-based program in Ontario.
What if a child is unable to take part in vision screening?
If your child was absent or unable to take part, contact an eye doctor to book an eye exam for your child. To find a local eye doctor, please visit collegeoptom.on.ca (College of Optometrists of Ontario).
Will I know my child’s vision screening results?
A parent/guardian letter is sent home with the child on the day of the screening. The letter explains your child’s vision screening results and necessary follow-up.
Does my child have to participate in vision screening?
While we encourage vision screening for senior kindergarten students, it is not mandatory. Parents/guardians can choose to have their child “opt out” by contacting our vision health program.
What is the difference between vision screening and a comprehensive eye examination?
Vision screening helps to detect risk factors for certain vision disorders. Vision screening is not designed to detect all vision problems. For this reason, we encourage you to contact an eye doctor to book a comprehensive eye exam for your child.
There is no cost for children 0 to 19 years of age with a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card to have a comprehensive eye exam, once every 12 months.
Comprehensive eye examinations are important to detect vision problems that may interfere with a child’s eye health, learning and social development. In rare cases, some untreated problems can lead to permanent vision loss or other vision disorders.
Need assistance?
Eye glasses can be expensive. There are services in the community to help you:
- Contact our vision health program.
- The Eye See Eye Learn program provides children in Junior Kindergarten with one free pair of eye glasses with their OHIP-covered exam, if prescribed by an eye doctor. To find a participating Eye See Eye Learn eye doctor, visit collegeoptom.on.ca (College of Optometrists of Ontario).
This item was last modified on October 22, 2024