Vision Screening Program

Good vision is essential for a child’s learning, development, and overall well‑being. Southwestern Public Health provides school‑based vision screening to help identify children who may need a full eye examination.

What Is the Vision Screening Program?

Southwestern Public Health offers free vision screening for students in Junior Kindergarten (JK) in alignment with Ontario’s Public Health Standards.

Vision screening uses quick, simple, and non‑invasive tests to identify children who may be at risk for vision concerns.

Vision screenings help determine if a child should see an Optometrist for a full eye exam.

These tests do not diagnose eye conditions, and do not replace a regular eye exam.

Children who already wear glasses will be screened with their glasses on.

Why visual health matters

Many vision problems go unnoticed and children often assume their vision is “normal,” and adults may not recognize early signs of difficulty

Healthy vision is essential for reading, writing, classroom participation, computer use, sports, and overall safety

Less than half of children ages four to five in some regions receive routine eye exams, meaning important issues may be missed

Early detection and treatment can significantly improve a child’s quality of life.

Why school vision screening is important

School‑based vision screening helps identify concerns early, especially when families may not realize their child is experiencing vision challenges. When detected early, many eye problems can be managed effectively, potentially preventing long‑term impacts on vision.

What happens during vision screening?

During school visits, Southwestern Public Health staff complete three short tests with each child. All tests are safe, gentle, and take only a few minutes.

Automated equipment is used to screen for risk factors related to the physical structure of the eyes.

Children look at a simple letter chart to determine how clearly they can see at a distance.

Using a special 3‑D picture book, staff check how well a child’s eyes work together to blend images.

After the screening

Your child will receive a "vision report card” to bring home with their results.

A full eye examination with an Optometrist is strongly recommended as soon as possible.

A full eye exam is still recommended before age five, and regular exams should continue throughout the school years.

A notice will be sent home explaining the reason (e.g., absence, wearing an eye patch, eye infection, or difficulty participating). Families will be encouraged to book an eye exam.

Important to know

Vision screening does not replace a comprehensive eye exam. Eye exams by an Optometrist are free once every 12 months for children and youth (0–19 years) with a valid OHIP card.

For questions about vision screening:

Email: vision@swpublichealth.ca

Call: 1‑800‑922‑0096

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Find an Optometrist in Oxford County

Use the map below to find an Optometrist in Oxford County,

Find an Optometrist in Elgin County

Use the map below to find an Optometrist in Elgin County.

Note: These maps may not include all local Optometrists. If you need help finding a local Optometrist, please contact us.

Southwestern Public Health (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)

St. Thomas Site
(Administrative office)
1230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9

Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2

Call us toll free: 1-800-922-0096
Email us