Are Glasses Free for Kids in Alberta?
Yes! Kindergarten students in Alberta can receive free glasses if needed through the Eye See…Eye Learn™ program.
What is Eye See…Eye Learn™?
The Eye See…Eye Learn™ program, through the cooperation of the Alberta Association of Optometrists and participating eye doctors, provides one complimentary pair of eyeglasses for kindergarten-age children.
At Mountain View Optometry, you can book your eye exam online or simply give us a call to schedule.
Book an Eye Exam
Coverage exists through Alberta Health Care for eye examinations for certain age groups. At MVO, comprehensive eye exams for children cost $30. Bring your child's Alberta Health card to their exam.
Receive Free Glasses
If glasses are needed, your optometrist will help you choose frames, and your
child's glasses will be ordered at no cost to you. The glasses are covered by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Eligibility:
All Alberta kindergarten students are eligible for the Eye See…Eye Learn™ program for the time period between the August before they start kindergarten, until they enter Grade one.
Why Your Child Needs an Eye Exam
Did you know:
- 80% of learning is visual.
- 1 in 4 school-aged children have a vision problem.
- Vision problems are often mistaken for learning or behavioural issues.
Early detection is key. Children may not realize they have a vision issue, as they assume their vision is normal. An optometrist can identify and address potential problems early.
During an eye exam, we assess:
- Visual acuity (clarity of vision).
- Eye alignment, such as lazy eye or crossed eyes.
- Refractive errors, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Colour vision and depth perception.
- Overall eye health and related medical history.
Visit Mountain View Optometry
Mountain View Optometry provides comprehensive eye care to ensure your child’s vision and eye health are at their best. With our wide variety of kids' eyeglasses, we aim to satisfy both parents and children by offering stylish, durable, and comfortable options that meet every need.
Our optometrists are experts in:
- Spotting eye conditions early, like crossed eyes (strabismus) and fixing them with easy treatments.
- Helping prevent high myopia in kids who love reading or looking at screens.
- Helping children achieve clear, comfortable vision for optimal learning.
Book your appointment today to access the
Eye See…Eye Learn™ program!
Eye See…Eye Learn™ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible?
Kindergarten students are eligible to participate in the program from August until they begin Grade 1.
Does it have to be my child’s first pair of glasses?
It does not have to be the child’s first pair of glasses.
What does my child get?
If your child is of kindergarten age, they will receive a free pair of eyeglasses, as prescribed by our optometrist. The glasses are covered by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Why is it important for my child to have an eye exam before starting school?
- In Alberta, 25 percent of children begin Grade 1 with an undiagnosed vision or eye health problem.
- Vision problems can interfere with a child’s ability to learn during their first critical years in school.
- For the first 12 years of a child’s life, 80 percent of learning is visual.
- Good grades go hand in hand with good vision!
When should my child have a comprehensive eye exam?
The Alberta Association of Optometrists recommends children have their first comprehensive eye exam between the ages of six and nine months, their second between the ages of two and five, and one every year after that. Depending on the results of their first exam, our MVO optometrists may advise follow-up visits at different intervals.
Do children have to know their ABCs before having an eye exam?
No. Our optometrists will use a variety of tests to assess your child’s eye alignment, ability to focus, need for glasses, and overall eye health. The tests and equipment used are very different from those used for an adult eye exam.
What is the cost of a child’s eye exam?
At Mountain View Optometry the cost of a child’s eye exam is $30.
What problems can be detected during an eye exam?
- Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, which can all be corrected with eyeglasses.
- Lazy eye (amblyopia), which is weak or poor vision in one eye. This may be from an uncorrected glasses prescription, or another factor interfering with clear vision during the early years of development. It’s the leading cause of preventable vision loss in children. If detected and treated early, usually before the age of six, it will often resolve completely.
- Crossed eyes (strabismus) are where an eye can turn in or out. It is a neuro-muscular condition in which a child’s eyes are not properly aligned. Coordination of a child’s eyes, and their ability to work together, starts to develop in infancy. Some forms of strabismus are temporary and may be outgrown, others require early treatment to avoid permanent consequences.
- Eye coordination is the ability of both eyes to work together as a team. Some children may have eye coordination or focusing problems without an obvious eye turn. Good eye coordination keeps the eyes in proper alignment, but a minor misalignment of your child’s eyes can cause symptoms like double vision, fatigue and headaches.
Why wouldn’t I know if my child has a vision or eye health problem?
Many vision and eye health conditions have no symptoms and can only be detected through an eye exam. Children are often not aware of a problem as they assume everyone sees the way they do.
How can a vision problem affect my child’s learning ability?
- Children who have poor vision often find it difficult to focus on their work and may even be misdiagnosed with a learning or behavioural disability.
- Up to 60 percent of children who are diagnosed with learning disabilities actually have undetected vision problems.
Why do we have to see an optometrist when my family physician has already determined that my child has 20/20 vision?
This is one of the more common misunderstandings about vision and eye health.
While a 20/20 vision score is a good start, it does not mean that your child has all of the vision skills required for healthy learning and development.
Comprehensive eye exams do so much more than determining if a child sees well. They also help your optometrist diagnose, treat and prevent diseases and disorders affecting the eyes and visual systems.
Written by Rosendo
About the Author:
Rosendo was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, where he began his professional journey studying Optometry and Optics. His career then took him to Dubai, where he worked in the optical field for two years as a Sales Associate. Now, he’s settled in Calgary and takes great pride in being a valued member of our Mountain View Optometry team as an Optical Associate.
