An effort is underway to require all children in Alberta to have eye exams before starting school and if accepted will be the first of its kind in Canada.
Red Deer MLA Mary Anne Jablonski is behind a private members bill that would make eye exams mandatory for children before they enter grade one.
Bill 203, the Childhood Vision Assessment Act, unanimously passed second reading in the legislature earlier this month.
“It’s already in the budget. A lot of people just don’t take advantage of that opportunity and nobody has put emphasis on taking advantage of that opportunity so, that’s why I’m doing this,” said Jablonski.
Albertans under 19 and over 65 years of age are eligible for one complete exam, one partial exam, and one diagnostic procedure per benefit year (July 1 to June 30).
The Alberta Association of Optometrists says only 35 per cent of children, aged five and six, get eye exams and having it done annually allows doctors to gauge whether their vision gets worse.
“It will bring the children in for an eye exam. Generally speaking, once the children have come for one exam, their families follow suit and they keep coming year after year. It’s really getting them in the door,” said Dr. Amy Forrest, from the Alberta Association of Optometrists.
“When children enter the school system and have undiagnosed eye challenges then, its usually some time before those are caught,” said John McDonald, CNIB Executive Director.
Some parents say they are pleased to see the bill proposed.
“I just think it’s important to have that before entering school because it hinders a lot of your learning,” said Nicole Hines.
Students coming from others provinces would also have to get the testing.
For more information on what is covered under the AHCIP, click HERE.
(With files from Rylee Carlson)
