Prince Edward Island is launching a new eye exam program for children ages six to 12 next week.
Health PEI will start the Program for Elementary Eye Care on April 1, according to a news release from the provincial government.
The program, which is said to be the first of its kind in Canada, will provide annual eye exams and up to three prescription pairs of glasses for elementary school students.
“Annual eye exams are crucial for the early detection and management of vision problems, which can significantly impact a child’s learning and educational engagement,” said Mark McLane, minster of Health and Wellness, in the release.
The program will cover the full cost of eye exams once other financial resources (including private insurance) have been used. It will also pay for up to $300 for single vision lenses and up to $350 for specialty or bifocal lenses.
“Intervention with appropriate correction, glasses or contacts or other visual aids, during the elementary years will have long term benefits into the future,” said Dr. Carolyn Acorn, member of the Prince Edward Island Association of Optometrists.
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