Durham Health Department Recommends Eye Exams for School-Aged Children

The Durham Region Health Department is advising parents of school-aged children to schedule eye examinations with local optometrists. According to the Ontario Association of Optometrists, children should have their first eye examination at six months old, another between ages two and five, and annually thereafter. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist every year for children under 19 years old.

Yemisi Aladesua, a public health nurse with Durham Region Health Department, stated that vision screening can identify children with no apparent symptoms but who may have eye abnormalities or blurred vision. Untreated vision problems can lead to permanent vision loss or poor academic performance.

Statistics indicate that one in four school-aged children may have a vision problem that can affect their learning and development if left untreated. Research also shows that 61% of parents mistakenly believe they can identify if their child has a vision or eye problem.

The Health Department has compiled a list of local optometrists in Durham Region to assist parents. For more information or to obtain the list, parents can call the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729. Additional information is available at durham.ca/VisualHealth.