.png)
Frequently Asked Questions
On this page, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions parents have about Eye See... Eye Learn!
Q: What is the Eye See... Eye Learn! program?
Answer: Eye See... Eye Learn! is a childhood eye health and vision awareness program for children in Nova Scotia. The ESEL program provides free eyeglasses to children in pre-primary and primary school.
Q: My child passed a vision screening and there were no issues found. Why would they need to see an Eye Doctor?
Answer: A vision screening conducted as part of a preschool or school physical is not a substitute for a professional, comprehensive vision examination by an Optometrist. These screenings are a limited procedure and cannot be used to diagnose an eye or vision problem. Many eye and vision problems that can impact a child’s ability to see and learn can be missed during a screening. In fact, vision screenings may create a false sense of security for parents of children who “pass” the screening, but who actually have an issue with their vision. Get the full picture! Many issues, especially deeper health concerns, can be detected in a comprehensive eye examination.
Q: What does a comprehensive eye exam involve?
Answer: An eye and vision examination of a child generally includes the following: • Patient and family history • Visual acuity measurement • Test for farsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism • Evaluation of ocular motility, binocular vision, accommodative function and colour perception • Ocular health examination • When appropriate, supplemental testing of visual perceptual development may be provided Comprehensive vision examinations can only be conducted by optometrists, who have the specialized training and equipment needed to make a definitive diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Q: At what age should children start receiving regular eye examinations?
Answer: The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) recommend that children should have at least one comprehensive eye exam before they start school, and annually thereafter, to ensure optimal vision and development. Therefore, we recommend: Age 6-9 months: Children should receive their first eye exam Ages 2-5 years: Children should receive their second eye exam Ages 6-19 years: Children should receive yearly eye exams while in school
Q: How can I help my child prepare for their first eye exam?
Answer: One of the best ways to prepare your child for an eye exam is by getting them familiar with the examination process. You can help your child feel comfortable with the eye exam by practicing at home. You can pretend to be the eye doctor and have your child sit, as you ask them to identify shapes and letters while covering one eye with their hand. As well, be sure to schedule your child's eye exam at a time when they are well-rested and fed. This will help them be more calm and focused during the exam.
Q: How do I find out if my Eye Doctor is participating in the ESEL program?
Answer: Visit our "Find an Eye Doc" page to search for a participating Optometrist near you. We are launching the ESEL program in the coming weeks, so check back as our list of participating Optometrists grows!
