A new program called Eye See...Eye Learn, will help kindergarten children with eye and vision problems, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“Government is committed to improving the health and well-being of our Island children,” said Minister Currie. “I am extremely pleased to offer a program that will focus on the prevention, early detection and management of eye and vision problems in young children to give them the best start in their education.”
As of January 2015, children who started kindergarten in September 2014 are eligible for a free eye exam and a free pair of glasses if required. For the balance of this school year, the program will also be offered to children in grades one and two. Going forward, kindergarten children will be eligible for the program from July 1 to June 30 each year.
The Eye...See Eye Learn program is being provided by the provincial government in partnership with the Prince Edward Island Association of Optometrists and eyewear sponsors Visiontech Labs PEI and Viva Canada Inc.
“Up to 80% of learning is visual, so it is crucial that our students start their education with proper vision,” said Jayne Toombs, President, Prince Edward Island Association of Optometrists. “This program removes financial barriers to help eliminate vision-related learning problems.”
Prince Edward Island and Alberta are the only two provinces to offer the program province-wide.
“Good eyesight is critical to learning,” said Minister Currie. “The program will ensure that all children can have their eyes checked when they start school.”
Government will invest more than $90,000 in the program the first year and another $30,000 annually going forward.
For more information visit: healthpei.ca/eyesee-eyelearn