Health Resources for Schools
Visual Health Information for Schools
Good eyesight is important for children to be able to play and learn. Children who cannot see well may have problems with reading, hand-eye coordination and speech.
Every year in Ontario
- 15,000 children have trouble learning to read because they need glasses
- 7000 children lose the use of one eye because they have an eye problem that is not treated in time.
Statistics from www.visionscreening.ca
Find an Optometrist
College of Optometrists of Ontario
www.collegeoptom.on.ca
Phone 1-888-825-2554
All optometrists in Hamilton included; search by language available
Ontario Assoc. of Optometrists
Find and Optometrist
Phone 1-800-540-3837
Only optometrists in Hamilton that belong to OAO included
Teachers, ECEs, and other professionals who work with children may notice the following signs of a vision problem:
- Squinting or holding objects close to the eyes
- Blinking often
- Turning or tilting the head to the side often
- Covering or closing one eye
- One eye that turns out or in
- Rubbing, tearing, itchy or burning eyes
- Reporting blurry or double vision
- Reporting headaches, nausea or eye strain
Other signs that can be related to a vision problem:
- Short attention span
- Day dreaming
- A dislike of near work (eg. reading, playing with Lego)
- Skipping words, letters or lines when reading or taking notes from the board
- Using a finger or moving the head to track when reading
- Trouble reading, difficulty remembering what was read or poor comprehension
- Delayed learning of the alphabet
- Persistent letter, number or word reversals
- Not completing assignments on time
- Difficulty with geometric shapes
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Poor performance in school
- Behavioural problems that stem from frustration
If you notice any of these signs, encourage the parent or caregiver to book an eye exam for their child with an optometrist.
Learn more about
Eye exams & glasses assistance
All Senior Kindergarten/Kindergarten Year 2 children will be offered vision screening at school as part of the Child Visual Health and Vision Screening Protocol of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC).
Vision screening identifies risk factors for some common vision problems, but it does not diagnose a vision problem.
Vision Screening includes the following 3 eye tests:
- HOTV visual acuity chart with crowding bars (Vision chart)
- Randot Preschool Stereotest (3D vision test)
- Autorefractor (Handheld device that automatically checks for near or far sightedness)
Even if children pass the screening, it is still important to get a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist (eye doctor). This is the best way to make sure children can see well and that their eyes are healthy.
Comprehensive eye exams include:
- Reviewing the child’s health history and the family history of eye problems
- Checking visual acuity and 3D vision
- Checking eye alignment
- Checking eye focusing ability (i.e., how well the eye muscles can focus at various distances);
- Checking eye health (e.g. allergies, infections)
- Identifying if the child is meeting visual developmental milestones
- Determining if the child needs eye glasses or other treatment (e.g., eye drops, vision therapy, a referral to a healthcare provider, etc.)
Children up to and including age 19 can get their eyes checked for free with an Ontario health card once every 365 days. In Hamilton, only 48% of children have had one eye exam between the ages of 2 and 5, the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends:
Infants & Toddlers
First eye exam between 6 and 9 months of age
Preschool Children
At least one eye exam between 2 and 5 years of age
School Age Children
Eye exam every year from 6 to 19 years of age
There are programs in Hamilton that can help families that need assistance with getting glasses. Call Hamilton Public Health Services at 905-546-2424 x5369 to find out more about these programs or visit the links below.
Families who need assistance
One Sight OnSite Voucher Program
- LensCrafters Lime Ridge Mall
Call 905-574-3101 - LensCrafters Eastgate Square
Call 905-578-3292 - Pearle Vision Lime Ridge Mall
Call 905-318-4103 - For families with low income
- Available through LensCrafters® and Pearle Vision®
- Free glasses with a letter from a local non-profit that verifies financial need
Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
www.hamilton.ca/OntarioWorks
- For families on OW or ODSP
- Free glasses every time your child’s prescription changes
- Families can talk to their OW or ODSP Case Worker to find out more
Special Supports Program
Call 905-546-2590
- For families with low income
- Free or low-cost glasses
- Families can apply by completing the Request for Special Support Funding Application Form
Junior and Senior Kindergarten Children
Eye See...Eye Learn Program - Ontario Association of Optometrists
- For children starting JK or SK in Sept 2022 born in 2017 and 2018
- Free glasses with an eye exam by an Eye See…Eye Learn® optometrist between July 1 and June 30 of the Junior Kindergarten or Senior Kindergarten year
- Find an Eye See…Eye Learn optometrist
Resettled refugees and refugee claimants
Interim Federal Health Program
- For protected persons, including resettled refugees, refugee claimants and certain other groups
- Eyeglasses are part of this program
First Nations and Inuit
Non-insured Health Benefits Program
Call 1-800-640-0642
- For First Nations persons registered under the Indian Act, Inuit recognized by an Inuit land claim organization and their children up to 18 years of age
- Eyeglasses and eyeglass repairs are a part of this program
Ressources Du Service De Santé Publique En Français
Certains renseignements et certaines ressources du Service de santé publique présentés sur cette page Web pourraient être disponibles en français. Communiquez avec l’infirmière affectée à votre école ou envoyez au courriel à [email protected] pour en savoir plus long sur les ressources et les services offerts en français.
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