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Local Optometrists Launch Junior Kindergarten Eye Health Program

LONDON, ON, Dec. 9, 2011 /CNW/ - Today's announcement by Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Hon. Deb Matthews and Dr. Josephine Pepe representing the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) launched the expansion of the Eye See…Eye Learn (ESEL) program into the greater London area.

"I'm excited to see this valuable program expanding to serve kindergarteners in London," Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. "Our government wants to ensure that all children in Ontario have the best start in life. By correcting vision problems at a young age, the Eye See Eye Learn program gives kids the opportunity to succeed in school."

"Parent's shouldn't assume that they will be able to identify whether or not their child has a vision problem," said Dr. Pepe. "Too often children don't complain about not seeing well because they don't know what normal vision is supposed to look like. An eye exam can change a child's life."

"Don't be blindsided like we were and find out that your five year old child is almost blind in one eye," warns Tim Dunford, a London parent whose son Liam was diagnosed in May as amblyopic "lazy eye." Today was Liam's follow up exam to monitor the successful treatment to save his vision.

The Eye See…Eye Learn program was created to identify children, like Liam, with eye health and vision problems before they begin grade one. According to OHIP data less than 10 per cent of Ontario children have an eye exam before entering school, but about 25 per cent of all children have a significant vision problem that could impair their ability to learn. Good vision is vital to academic success, in fact, 80 per cent of all learning during a child's first 12 years comes directly through vision.

"Children, who cannot see the chalkboard, focus on a picture or follow words in a book will struggle to achieve their full learning potential," says Dr. Pepe. "Fortunately, Liam has now been identified and is receiving treatment. Early treatment at Liam's age means the prognosis for restoring vision is very good. "

This January parents registering their children for junior kindergarten will be provided with program information, encouraging them to take their child for an eye exam at a participating optometrist's office. Parents can pre-book their eye exam that will take place starting July 1st, 2012. Eye exams for children 19 years of age and under are insured by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.

If a child requires eyeglasses, under the Eye See…Eye Learn (ESEL) program, he or she will receive them free of charge from Jungle Eyewear (Bo Optik) and Hoya Vision Care. Participating optometrists will waive their fees when dispensing eyeglasses under this program.

On June 21, 2011 Premier McGuinty announced that the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care would fund the ESEL program to expand the initiative across the province over the next five years.

The expansion of the ESEL program into London and the surrounding area opens the program to more than 7,000 students in nearly 200 schools.

"Every parent should make an eye exam by an optometrist as part of a child's annual health routine and readiness for school," urges Tim Dunford. "Don't assume your child can see well, know for sure.

For more information on the Eye See…Eye Learn program, please visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists' web site at

For over 100 years, the OAO has been the voluntary professional organization representing optometrists in Ontario in matters of advocacy, community and education. The OAO represents over 1,500 optometrists who practise in over 200 towns and cities across Ontario and are the main providers of primary eye care in Ontario.

Video available on website:

Additional quotes:

"We're excited to be part of this valuable initiative to identify vision concerns among students at an early age in order to prevent learning challenges later in life. The Eye See…Eye Learn program is a great complement to the ThamesValley school board's other early intervention programs and strategies." Laura Elliott, Executive Superintendent of Program Services, ThamesValleyDistrictSchool Board

«Le Conseil scolaire Viamonde se réjouit de l'élargissement du programme Eye See...Eye Learn aux régions de London, Sarnia et du Niagara. Cette initiative permettra à davantage de jeunes élèves dans nos classes de maternelle d'avoir accès à un examen de la vue et une paire de lunettes, au besoin. Le programme Eye See...Eye Learn contribue à outiller les élèves pour la réussite en leur permettant d'entreprendre le début du cheminement scolaire du bon pied.» Gyslaine Hunter-Perreault, Directrice de l'éducation, Conseil Scolaire Viamonde

"Oxford County Public Health has a long history of working with families to address health concerns in preschoolers early, before they interfere with learning. This initiative will help children start school in the best possible health, and ensure that there are not financial barriers to accessing vision care for kids." Lynn Beath, CEO, OxfordCounty Public Health

"At the London District Catholic School Board we are committed to ensuring that every one of our students has the ability to learn, grow and succeed; and good vision is a key component. We are pleased to be partnering with the Ontario Association of Optometrists to bring this important service to our families to help our students thrive academically." Sharon Wright-Evans, Superintendent of Education, LondonDistrictCatholicSchool Board

For further information:

Melissa Secord
Director Continuing Education
1-855-424-3735 Ext 243
Cell: (416) 451-6898
/ Dr. Josephine Pepe
Westmount Optometrists
(519) 472-0210