Item - 2016.HL13.6

The Board of Health:

1. Forwarded the report (June 17, 2016) from the Medical Officer of Health to the Community Development and Recreation Committee.

2.  Requested the Medical Officer of Health to promote eye examinations in young children prior to school entry with parents in Toronto Public Health programs.

3.  Requested the Medical Officer of Health, in collaboration with relevant partners, to explore the feasibility of a targeted vision assessment program pilot in Neighbourhood Improvement areas, including access for no/low cost corrective lenses if required.

This report provides an overview of the current vision programs for school aged children in the Toronto area and the cost for providing vision assessment.  The published evidence and expert recommendations support a full eye examination by an optometrist at or before school entry to prevent irreversible vision problems that can affect children's learning.  However, the evidence is inconclusive with regard to the effectiveness of universal vision screening programs and more robust studies are required.  Access to vision assessment in Toronto is variable and funded by a combination of government and charitable sources.  Current coverage levels suggest the need to raise parents' awareness of the importance of vision assessment for school age children and to increase collaboration among school boards to support vision assessment especially in high needs neighbourhoods.