Did you know that about 80% of visual impairments can either be prevented or treated?
Regular eye exams for kids are an essential way of ensuring that their vision is healthy and that they can perform well in school and other activities. Usually, the sooner an issue is caught, the easier it can be to treat it.
Are you wondering if your child is eligible to get a free eye exam in British Columbia?
Keep reading to learn more!
How Kids Can Get a Free Eye Exam in BC
Children in BC are eligible for a fully covered eye exam once a year, sometimes dependent on the clinic a family chooses. The only catch is that they must be 18 years old or younger. The great news is that Langley Optometry does not charge a balance fee to the family – it is fully covered!
This is part of the BC Healthy Kids Program; a program is designed to ensure that children in the province have access to essential healthcare services. It also covers other services, such as dental care and prescription eyewear.
It's important to note that the free eye exam does not cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Aside from coverage for eye tests, there are other programs available in BC that can help with the cost of eyewear solutions for children. These include the Ministry of Children and Family Development's At Home Program and the BC Healthy Kids Program's Optical Assistance for Children Program.
If your child is not eligible for the BC Healthy Kids Program, or if you want to have additional eye exams beyond the once-a-year free exam, you'll need to pay for them. The exact cost of eye exams depends on the optometrist you visit, please contact us for more details.
The Eye Exam Process for Children
During your child’s eye exam, an optometrist will assess your child's vision to check if they have any problems. For instance, they'll use various tests to determine if your child has nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or any other common vision issues. These tests may include looking at letters on a chart, tracking a moving object, or shining a light into your child's eyes.
If your child has vision issues, an optometrist will work with you to develop a treatment plan. This may involve wearing glasses, eye-strengthening exercises, and other treatments as needed.
Early detection and treatment of vision issues is important to ensure that your child's eyesight develops properly.
Book Your Child’s Eye Exam at Langley Optometry Clinic!
Now that you've learned all about getting free eye tests, you can make sure that your child's eye health is in excellent condition.
Langley Optometry offers eye exams and eye care services for all ages, including frames, glasses, accessories and more! Book an eye exam that fits your schedule today!