Eye See Eye Learn®: Empowering Kindergarten Children in Edmonton with Clear Vision
Clear, comfortable vision plays a vital role in a child's academic success and overall development. However, many children remain undiagnosed with vision problems, which can hinder their learning experience. To address this concern, the Alberta Association of Optometrists has introduced an outstanding program called Eye See Eye Learn® (ESEL). This initiative aims to provide free eye exams and free eyeglasses to Kindergarten children, ensuring that no child's potential is limited by uncorrected vision.
Understanding The Eye See Eye Learn® Program
Eye See Eye Learn® is an innovative program designed to identify and address vision issues in Kindergarten children across Alberta. In 2004 the program was launched by the Alberta Association of Optometrists in partnership with the provincial government and offered free comprehensive eye exams (to all children ages 0-18) and a complimentary pair of eyeglasses for children enrolled in Kindergarten who required vision correction. Before the Eye See Eye Learn® program started, only 27.3% of 5-year-old children received an eye exam; now, in 2022-2023, that number sits closer to 43.3% (stats via the Alberta Association of Optometrists & Alberta Health Care).
The Importance of Early Intervention
Undiagnosed vision problems in children can significantly impact their ability to effectively learn, comprehend, and engage in educational activities. By detecting and correcting these issues early on, Eye See Eye Learn® aims to level the playing field for all children, allowing them to access the education they deserve.
20/20 Does Not Equal Perfect Vision. It indicates that a child can see as expected at 20 feet. However, this number alone does not provide information on eye health or the quality of vision.
25% Of Grade School Children Have Vision Problems. Decreased vision can affect grades and learning capabilities if left unchecked.
Up to 60% Of Children Diagnosed with Learning Problems have Undetected Vision Problems. Of those, most will pass a vision screening test, thus highlighting the importance of a complete eye exam.
The Eye See Eye Learn® Process
The Eye See Eye Learn® program is simple and efficient, making it accessible for parents and children. Here's how it works:
Awareness: Parents of Kindergarten children are informed about the program through school notices, newsletters, and communication channels. The optometrists at Helio Optometry also do in-person presentations with local community schools. (Let us know if you want us to present at your school). You can also let us know if your school doesn’t receive any information or if you need a few extra packets and we’ll have our association.
Comprehensive Eye Exam: Parents are encouraged to book a free kids eye exam with a participating optometrist like Helio Optometry. You can call us at 780-628-6855 or book your child's eye exam online. No special paperwork is required, just a valid Alberta Health Care card.
Eyeglass Prescription: If the eye exam reveals the need for vision correction, your child will receive a prescription for new eyeglasses.
Free Eyeglasses: Upon receiving the prescription, parents can choose from a selection of Eye-See-Eye-Learn eyeglass frames covered by the program. The eyeglasses are then manufactured and delivered to our office, and our opticians will ensure the glasses fit correctly. The free eyewear is sponsored through corporate donations and the Alberta Association of Optometrists membership fee. Parents may also purchase a pair of eyeglasses outside the program should they wish to have multiple or backup pairs.
New Eye-See-Eye Learn Eyewear Styles for 2023
This summer, our Association is updating the eyewear selection available through the ESEL program. This year’s program will feature a wide selection of frames in various sizes, colours and shapes. These new styles should arrive in late July or early August before the 2023-2024 school year starts.
The Impact of Eye-See-Eye Learn
The Eye See Eye Learn program has transformed the lives of countless Kindergarten children in Alberta. By addressing vision issues early, the program aims to:
Improve Academic Performance: Clear vision is crucial for reading, writing, and classroom participation. Refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, are common vision conditions in children easily corrected with eyewear. By providing free eyeglasses, Eye See Eye Learn ensures that children can see clearly and actively engage in their educational journey.
Boost Confidence and Self-esteem: Corrected vision allows children to experience the world with clarity, helping them feel more confident and self-assured. Improved self-esteem positively affects social interactions, classroom participation, and overall well-being.
Facilitate Early Detection of Eye Conditions: Routine eye exams through Eye See Eye Learn enable early detection of eye conditions and diseases, such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), cataracts and various other eye conditions. Early intervention maximizes the chances of successful treatment and prevents long-term complications.
Enhance Long-term Eye Health: By encouraging regular eye exams and providing necessary vision correction, the program fosters a culture of proactive eye care among parents and children. This approach promotes long-term eye health and reduces the risk of untreated vision problems in the future.
Participating Eye See Eye Learn Clinic in Edmonton
Eye See Eye Learn, offered by the Alberta Association of Optometrists, is a great program that ensures Kindergarten children in Alberta have access to free comprehensive eye exams and eyeglasses. By identifying and correcting vision problems early on, this program empowers children to reach their full potential academically and socially.
If your child is in Kindergarten and has yet to receive an eye exam, we would love for you to visit our office. Helio Optometry is a proud partner of the Eye-See-Eye Learn program. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 780-628-6855 or book your child's eye exam online.
Did you know?: Alberta Health Care covers the cost of a complete eye exam for all children 18 years or under. Alberta Health Care also covers the cost of all medical visits for things such as pink eye, eye infections, allergies, eye injuries, vision changes, or visual emergencies.
