ESEL™ | Manitoba Association of Optometrists

Vision directly affects how a child learns.

80% of a child’s learning is based on vision.

One in five children entering school has a vision disorder.

Reading, learning and behavior problems can be related to undetected vision problems.

Starting in the summer of 2024, The Manitoba Association of Optometrists is expanding our Eye See...Eye Learn™ program to include Kindergarten First Pair Free. The Canadian Association of Optometrists is working to get the message out to parents that ALL children should have a thorough eye examination by an optometrist before they enter school, as well as removing barriers for those needing glasses.

Basic Eye exams are covered by Manitoba Health for children under 19 years of age!

Kindergarten First Pair Free is open to Kindergarten-aged children residing in Manitoba, regardless of school division program participation. Kindergarten children are eligible to get one free pair of glasses, if determined necessary by the optometrist. Glasses must be ordered at participating practices.

Ensure your child isn’t hindered in learning, play or how they look at the world. Make an eye exam a regular part of your child’s overall health care.

The Kindergarten First Pair Free program would not be possible without the generosity of our vision partners Modern Optical Canada and One Sight Essilor Luxottica Foundation.

To locate a participating optometrist close to you, go to Find an Optometrist, or call the Manitoba Association of Optometrists at 204-943-9811.

Click here for an Eye See... Eye Learn™ First Pair Free Eye Exam Form

An important message for parents of children entering the school system:

Starting school is an exciting time for kids. It’s also an ideal time to take your child for a comprehensive eye examination.

Surprisingly, one in five children entering school has a vision disorder. Many children accept poor vision and other eye problems because they are unaware that their vision is not the same as that of other children. If left unchecked, serious long-term effects can result.

Since 80% of a child’s learning is based on vision, excellent sight and eye health are critical to doing well in school.

Why are kids not getting an eye exam?

Parents may think their children’s vision is OK if they don’t complain, or if they’ve successfully completed a vision screening. However, screenings are limited – they may not assess near vision ability, eye health, and how well the eyes work together as a team.

Our school and healthcare systems don’t insist children have an eye exam, but they should. In some jurisdictions, eye exams before school entry are mandatory.

Parents might assume that if they have good eyes, their children must too. It doesn’t always work that way. Why not book an eye exam and be sure?

Why not wait until my child is a little older?

The 'wiring' between the eyes and the brain develops in the first 5 years of life. If a child has an eye problem, it will respond best if treated when young. Some eye problems can’t be corrected as easily if you wait until age 8 or 10.

Eye exams are child friendly – your child does not need to know his/her alphabet in order to have an accurate exam. Most three year old children can complete a thorough eye exam easily! Book an appointment before your child starts school. To find an optometrist near you, go to Find an Optometrist, or call the Manitoba Association of Optometrists at 204-943-9811.