Kindergarteners know about a lot of things. For example, they know their name, the many colours of the rainbow, how to give great hugs, and how to make a mess. What they may not know, is whether they can see properly. For many kindergartners and their families who do not have vision coverage as part of a healthcare plan, costly eye exams and prescription glasses are out of reach. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, vision screening previously provided to students in the Central Okanagan school district was discontinued. Since then, there has been a significant decrease in children’s routine eye care. Too many children have preventable, treatable eye conditions that are going undetected.
Having good vision — or the glasses and corrective procedures needed to improve vision or diagnose eye problems — is something that many of us take for granted. But it is essential for everyday learning, safety, and quality of life. This is why the Foundation funded a pilot project through Interior Health, run by the BC Doctors of Optometry (BCDO) and Central Okanagan Public Schools, to provide kindergarten students with eye exams, and prescription glasses, at no cost to their families.
Thanks to this program, kindergarten students at multiple Central Okanagan elementary schools are receiving one-on-one, comprehensive vision exams while at school. After students receive their exam, they are provided a written copy of their results to bring home. If the optometrist finds a child has vision problems, they will contact the family directly to follow up, and the students who require glasses are provided a pair — courtesy of the BCDO, and our Foundation.
These little learners will now have the best chance of success at life, by starting out with a clear view of the world around them. This type of public health initiative, one that promotes good health, and helps prevent disease and learning difficulties, is one that we are proud to support.
If you would like to contribute to the success of programs like this, please donate today.
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