VISION FIRST CHECK

Vision First Check is about setting a higher standard in early eye care across B.C. Where available, Vision First Check offers a preschool vision screening, of charge, for all children aged two and three.

It is a key, provincially-supported initiative with two aims:

to improve the early visual development of preschool-aged children, and
to raise awareness among British Columbians of the critical importance of ensuring optimal eye health from an early age.

The vision screening is a comprehensive test designed by Optometrists to be more complete than screenings in place at many preschools. In particular, this modified test targets symptoms of amblyopia, strabismus and refractive errors—vision conditions that, if left untreated, can become more serious or even debilitating over time.

Early results indicate that Vision First Check has made an impact. The program has significantly increased the percentage of children receiving professional eye exams: in its initial phase, the program screened two-year-olds at 4.7 times and three-year-olds at 2.8 times the existing rate.

Vision First Check was developed with the British Columbia Association of Optometrists recommendation in mind: all children should receive a comprehensive eye exam by age three. Today, the program is promoted by the Ministry for Children and Families and available in twelve health regions throughout B.C. Other than the tri-cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody (including Anmore and Malliardville), Vision First Check is not currently available in the Lower Mainland.

If you have any questions about the availability of Vision First Check in your community, please don't hesitate to check with your local health unit, or to contact your B.C. Optometrist or the British Columbia Association of Optometrists today.

Source : www.optometrists.bc.ca
All content here is provided for information and education—it is no substitute for the advice of your B.C. Optometrist. The MT. Pleasant Optometry Centre assumes no responsibility or liability arising from any errors or omissions or from the use of any information contained herein.