Five years of parenting and the one thing I am sure of is that I need all the help I can get to do this difficult job. Parenting books, therapists, blogs written by other parents…I am always searching for resources that will support my goal of raising a good citizen and giving him all the supports that he needs along the way.
When I found out about The Eye See…Eye Learn® program, developed by the Alberta Association of Optometrists, I knew I had found a great resource. Alberta Health Care covers the cost of a child’s eye exam but The Eye See…Eye Learn® program covers the cost of one pair of glasses for anyone entering kindergarten with a prescription.
Dr. Tammy Brauner was very patient and playful with Max. She told him this machine was a super hero mask–he was quite impressed with it.
Like most parents with their first child entering kindergarten, I am preoccupied with concerns over how Max will adapt to the new environment and hoping that he will develop a love of learning this year that will carry him through his formative years. After his eye exam with Dr. Brauner at Terra Vision, I am now aware that he has a slight prescription that they do not anticipate causing him a problem but that I, and his teacher, need to keep an “eye” on during this school year. Dr. Brauner said that Max’s prescription is likely to flex and he is unlikely to need glasses but if he starts squinting to see the board at school we will reevaluate.
We also found out that he has a slight red-green colour deficiency which I am claiming as the reason for the mismatched outfits he insists on wearing. Again, this may correct itself with time or he may have issues with it for his entire life.
If you are considering taking your child for an eye exam, here are the things you need to know:
1. The process is quite thorough and takes about twenty minutes, depending on how cooperative your child is.
2. If your child is like mine, they will want to ask questions about every machine and process. A patient and child-friendly optometrist is worth finding. Dr.’s Dave and Tammy Brauner at Terra Vision were amazing with Max!
3. It is well worth your time because you will leave knowing if your child needs a prescription and what to keep a look-out for in the future.
UPDATE: I have had several people asking me how they can find an optometrist that works with the Eye See…Eye Learn® program. The Alberta Association of Optometrists makes it very simple with this link: Click Here to find an Optometrist in Alberta near you.
If Max would have needed glasses, these are the ones he liked.
In the world of parenting where I often feel unable to control things, I found our visit to the optometrist very empowering because I know I am being proactive with my child’s eye health and safety.
