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NL Association of Optometrists (NLAO) Applauds the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its support of children’s vision

St. John’s, NL, April 16, 2019– The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists applauds the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its support of a Children’s Vision Program.

Dr. Trudy Metcalfe, President, NLAO, says “As many as one in four school age children have visual problems and 60% of children with reading difficulties have undetected or uncorrected vision problems. When you consider that up to 80% of learning is dependent on vision, the importance of maintaining a healthy visual system becomes clear.”

A healthy functioning visual system affects every aspect of a child’s development and learning. A vision screening during a pre-school check up is only able to identify a limited number of vision issues. There are many other visual impediments to learning that cannot be identified through a screening alone.

It is recommended that children have their first eye exam at the age of 6 months, at age three, age 5 (prior to entry to kindergarten) and annually thereafter.

With the support for a Children’s Vision Program, Dr Metcalfe says “ Every child will have access to a full eye examination by a Doctor of Optometry before entering kindergarten.”

The NLAO is the professional association that represents Doctors of Optometry in Newfoundland and Labrador. We foster excellence in the delivery of vision and eye care services through information, programs and services that promote and enhance vision care in the province.

NLAO

Mission

The mission of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists is to assist members in providing quality eye care services to their patients and to meet the stated objectives of the association.

When was the last time you had an eye examination?

A regular eye exam by a doctor of optometry is the best way to stay on top of your eye health.

Did you know that 1 in 7 Canadians will develop a serious eye disease in their lifetime? Yet 75% of vision loss can be prevented or treated with proper care. A comprehensive eye exam can also detect potentially life threatening conditions, like brain tumours, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Back to School

Getting ready for back to school is exciting! Make sure your child has a full eye examination. It is important to know that the vision screening that they received during the pre-school check up at age 4 is NOT an eye exam.

Dr Mark Smith, President, NLAO and Danny Barrett, CNIB Vision Advocate proclaim May as Vision Month with Minister Dr John Haggie and MHA Carol Ann Haley.

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