Vision Screening Nov 9&10, 10am–1pm At The Lions Club Of Land O’ Lakes, Northbrook

Oct 30, 2024

For all children (home or school enrolled) 4-18 years. 6-18 years old can arrive without guardians provided they have a written consent from a guardian.

In 2018 The National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH), the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) and the Vision Institute of Canada issued a report on the vision situation of children at schools finding that; “A recent study on children’s vision in two Ontario First Nations elementary schools found that 86% of children who needed glasses were not wearing them or did not have them.

3 Children with undiagnosed vision problems can have problems with reading, learning, and interacting with others. Early detection and treatment of refractive errors (i.e. needing glasses to improve vision) can greatly reduce the risk of vision loss and improve reading and learning skills.”

In CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) published in July 20, 2020 the findings on a vision study that took place between 2015-2017 across 43 school in Ontario ranging in 15 communities found that about 1 in 10 children who were screened were identified as having a visual problem, with most identified for the first time. The study explains: “The willingness of school boards and principals to participate in our study underlines the recognized need for better access to visual health care for children in kindergarten. The success of any vision screening program depends on the extent of the followup care that is provided (i.e., access to eye care professionals and glasses, reminders for follow-up and information about the importance of early vision care).”

What can vision problems impede in the development and learning abilities of school children ?

• reading a book;
• copying from the blackboard;
• participating in classroom activities and discussions;
• maintaining attention and concentration;
• interacting in the playground;
• playing sports
• gross and fine motor skills (large and small muscle movements);
• language skills;
• learning by seeing, copying and repeating behaviours and actions;
• interaction with people and social skills.

Where Can vision screening be done?

A vision screening is a more efficient eye exam. A child is “screened” for eye problems and referred to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive exam if needed. Your child’s vision can be screened by a:

• Pediatrician
• Family physician
• Ophthalmologist
• Or other properly trained health care provider
• Screenings are also offered at schools, community health centers, or community events.

Does Vision Screening replace a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

No. A comprehensive eye exam diagnoses eye disease. Eye drops are used to dilate (widen) the pupil during the exam. This gives your ophthalmologist a fuller view inside the eyes. With dilation and other special testing, signs of eye disease are more evident.

But, a vision screening that shows inconclusive results or errors is a clear signal and early indication for the need for a comprehensive eye exam.