Link between vision and learning at heart of program offering free glasses to N.S. kids

A program aimed at ensuring vision problems aren't holding Nova Scotia's youngest students back has outfitted more than 20 children with free eyeglasses since launching in February.

The Eye See, Eye Learn program is open to children in pre-primary or primary who have a valid Nova Scotia health card.

Shawn Creelman is a parent of one of those kids. He said his family was informed about the program during a routine eye exam when they discovered their five-year-old son needed glasses.

"My wife and I are fortunate enough that we do have private insurance, but if a family didn't have that option, it's nice to know that children, especially school aged, have the opportunity to get glasses for free," Creelman said.

The program already operates in a number of provinces, including throughout Atlantic Canada. In Nova Scotia, it is offered through the provincial association of optometrists.

Frames for the glasses are provided through a sponsorship with eyewear distributor Modern Optical, and the lenses are provided by the Essilor Foundation, a vision-care charity. Eye exams are already covered under MSI for children nine and younger.

Dr. Lisa Morrison, president of the Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists, said parents have been happy and relieved to hear about the program. 

"Just to not have to bear that cost burden is a really exciting thing for those parents, especially for those young kids who really do need those glasses if they're starting school," she said. 

Morrison emphasized the importance of children receiving eye exams before entering school, and said there is a connection between vision and learning. 

One in four school-aged children have a vision problem, she said, but children often don't know when they are not seeing normally.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that children continue to have eye exams annually to ensure optimal vision and development.

Morrison said most optometrists in Nova Scotia offer the Eye See, Eye Learn program. People can find a list of participating optometrists on the program's website.