Students in Junior Kindergarten able to receive a complimentary pair of glasses with eye exam
The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) is pleased to announce the continuation of its Eye See…Eye Learn program for 2018-19, made possible by the generous support of its new industry partners Plastic Plus and Modern Optical, and participating optometrists.
“Providing glasses to children at no cost through Eye See…Eye Learn would not be possible without the support of our members, Plastic Plus and Modern Optical Canada,” says Dr. Joshua C. Smith, President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists. “We are thrilled to have this exclusive partnership as it ensures children are seeing their best and starting elementary school off on the right foot.”
From July 1, 2018 until June 30, 2019, Eye See…Eye Learn will offer children born in 2014 one pair of prescription eyeglasses following a comprehensive eye examination if required. Together, Plastic Plus, Modern Optical, and our participating optometrists will provide children with quality lenses and trendy frames. Children will have the opportunity to pick from a collection of different styles and colours that they will enjoy wearing.
“We are very proud to be part of this opportunity to help children see better,” says Paul Faibish, President of Plastic Plus. “We are committed to working with the Association to provide the best possible vision solutions for the patients of their members.”
Similar to Plastic Plus, “Modern Optical Canada is honored to be named a partner in the ESEL program,” says Ken Weissman, President of Modern Optical Canada. “Philanthropy is central to our corporate mission, and we know that this quality program will maximize our impact in a meaningful way.”
In 2017-18, a total of 22,219 Ontario junior kindergarten children participated in the Eye See…Eye Learn program. Fifteen per cent of those children received a complimentary pair of glasses, and 47 per cent received their first-ever eye exam.
One in four Ontario children has a vision-related learning problem, but often doesn’t have an eye exam before starting school. A comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist is essential in diagnosing and treating eye problems that may impact a child’s learning and development.
OAO recommends that children have their first eye exam at six months-old, another between the ages of two and five and annually thereafter to ensure good vision and development. In Ontario, eye exams are covered by OHIP for children up to 19 years-old.
ABOUT ESEL
Eye See…Eye Learn is a health awareness program for children in junior kindergarten. The program focuses its efforts on educating parents on the importance of booking comprehensive eye exams for their children starting junior kindergarten. Any child who has a comprehensive eye exam with an Eye See…Eye Learn participating optometrist and requires eye glasses will receive a complimentary pair courtesy of participating optometrists, Plastic Plus and Modern Optical Canada. Every child in Ontario who has a valid Ontario Health Card is eligible for an annual OHIP-insured eye exam by an optometrist, up until age 19.
ABOUT THE ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF OPTOMETRISTS
The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) is the leading professional organization, representing over 1,600 optometrists. We are dedicated to helping our members provide the highest standard of eye health and vision care for Ontarians while driving the profession of optometry forward. For more information: optom.on.ca.
ABOUT PLASTIC PLUS
Plastic Plus has been serving the independent optical industry for more than 40 years. It is Canada’s largest independent optical lab. Offering one of the most highly advanced labs in the industry and the most state-of-the-art technology, Plastic Plus continues to offer unmatched lens quality. Plastic Plus is 100% made in Canada and does no off shore work. They are committed to supporting independent eye care providers offering them a wide selection of lens options from industry leading manufacturers. They are proud to be ‘the first choice’ for independent eye care professionals.
ABOUT MODERN OPTICAL
Modern Optical Canada is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Modern Optical International, a family-owned eyewear and accessories company founded in 1974. With a breadth of experience and proven track record, Modern’s niche of value-oriented eyewear enable ECPs to grow their practices while maximizing profitability. Through the years, Modern has remained true to its founding principles of providing quality, affordable eyewear with first class customer service. Today, Modern offers over 1,000 frame styles for men, women and children. Our 60+ Territory Managers service Modern’s vast network of ECPs throughout North America.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brittany Blow
Ontario Association of Optometrists
905-826-3522 ext. 246
bblow@optom.on.ca