Toronto, ON — October 1, 2025 —October is Children’s Vision Health Month, and the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) is raising awareness about the critical role healthy vision plays in a child’s learning, development, and overall well-being.
National data shows that 1 in 4 school-aged children have a vision problem that could affect their ability to read, learn, and play. Many of these issues go unnoticed because children often don’t realize their vision is impaired. Left undetected, vision problems can impact a child’s academic achievement, social confidence, and long-term eye health.
The Importance of Early Eye Exams
The OAO reminds parents that comprehensive eye exams should be part of every child’s health routine. An eye exam can detect a wide range of issues, including focusing problems, eye coordination difficulties, or early signs of eye disease.
“Good vision is essential to every child’s learning and development,” says Dr. Shaina Nensi, President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists. “An eye exam can uncover issues that may otherwise go unnoticed, and early detection gives children the best chance to thrive at school and in life.”
Optometrists recommend that children receive their first eye exam at six months of age, again at two to three years old, and then annually once they enter school. In Ontario, children and youth aged 0–19 are eligible for one OHIP-insured eye exam every 12 months, plus any follow-up care that may be required.
“Parents are often surprised to learn that vision problems can be mistaken for behavioural or learning difficulties. A simple, OHIP-covered eye exam can change the trajectory of a child’s education and confidence,” said Nensi.
Eye See…Eye Learn®: Helping Kids See and Learn
To further support children’s success, the OAO runs the Eye See…Eye Learn® (ESEL) program. This initiative provides Junior and Senior Kindergarten students in Ontario with a pair of free glasses, if prescribed, following their comprehensive eye exam. The program helps ensure that vision problems do not become a barrier to learning during these crucial early years.
Supporting Children’s Success
The OAO encourages families to make eye exams part of their back-to-school and fall health routines. Early detection and treatment of vision problems—whether with glasses, vision therapy, or other care—can dramatically improve a child’s ability to succeed and prevent more serious complications later in life. Parents can book an OHIP-insured eye exam with a local optometrist at www.FindAnEyeDoctor.ca.
About the Ontario Association of Optometrists
The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) represents over 2,100 optometrists across the province and is the leading voice for eye health and vision care in Ontario. OAO works to advance policies that expand access to care, strengthen the role of optometrists as frontline healthcare professionals, and ensure patients receive the highest standard of vision care.
Learn more at www.optom.on.ca.
Media Contact:
Celecia Partap
Director Marketing & Communication
Ontario Association of Optometrists
Phone: 905-826-3522 X 225
Email: cpartap@optom.on.ca