Healthy students are better learners
At the Durham Region Health Department, we have a team of health professionals which include school public health nurses, immunization nurses, oral health staff and health protection staff that are dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and wellbeing of children and youth in all schools in Durham Region. The team strives to achieve optimal health of the entire school community through partnership and collaboration with school boards and schools.
Learn more about the school health team!
Visual health
Up to one in four children have problems seeing which can affect their learning. Some of these problems can be treated only if identified while children are young.
Every year in Ontario:
- 7000 children needlessly lose the use of an eye because they were not treated promptly for a problem.
- 15,000 children have trouble learning to read just because they need glasses.
To find an optometrist, visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists website or call 1-800-540-3837.
| Importance of eye exams |
|
Eye exams remain an important component of child visual health. Comprehensive eye exams can identify children who may have no apparent symptoms, eye abnormalities or blurred vision. If left untreated, these problems may lead to permanent vision loss or poor academic performance in school. It is recommended that all children see an optometrist for an eye exam. A yearly eye exam is free for children up to 19 years of age with a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card. |
| Find an optometrist near you |
| Getting help with the cost of prescription eyeglasses |
Welcome to kindergarten
The 1 ,2, 3 Get Set for Kindergarten resource can help you get your child ready to learn and off to a healthy start at school. It includes information about healthy habits that will support learning along the way.
Contact Us