This page includes basic messaging designed for use by school administrators to promote the topic of vision among students, parents, and the general school community. Included are:

• Morning announcement scripts
• Newsletter inserts
• Social media messages

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Healthy Schools contact at HPEPH.

Morning Announcement Message	Audience
A message from public health. Attention students! Are you having trouble seeing the smart board, or finding it difficult to read small print? Vision problems are common in kids and teens – but they aren’t always aware!   Most vision problems can be treated – so if you’re having trouble seeing, ask your parent or caregiver to take you for an eye exam. It’s easy, free, and should be done each year.	All students

Newsletter Inserts

Audience

Children need healthy eyes and good vision to learn to read and write, see the board, use a computer, play, participate in sports, and stay safe.   Is your child one the 15,000 children in ON that has trouble reading because they need glasses? Vision problems can affect learning, social development & self-esteem. With a valid OHIP card, children & youth aged 0-19 years are covered for an annual eye examination.   Find an Optometrist near you by visiting optom.on.ca. And don’t worry about cost. Eye exams are free for children up to 19 years old in Ontario. Find an Optometrist in your area at: www.optom.on.ca

Parents

Social Media Messaging – Elementary and Secondary	Audience
Vision problems are common in school-aged children and youth, but it’s not always easy for parents to know if their child has trouble seeing. Having vision problems can make it harder for kids to learn, play sports or do everyday activities.   Has your child/teen had an eye exam this year? Children should have an eye exam before starting kindergarten, and once a year after that. Find an Optometrist near you by visiting optom.on.ca. And don’t worry about cost – in Ontario, eye exams are free for children 19 and under. For more information and to help find an optometrist, visit www.optom.on.ca or call 1-800-540-3837	All parents
Children may not know they have a vision problem andthey can’t always tell you what they can or cannot see. 1 child out of 4 has a significant eye problem that can interfere with learning and development.   Undetected and untreated vision problems often cause reading difficulties, and can cause the same signs and symptoms that are commonly attributed to issues such as ADHD, dyslexia and speech problems. Identify vision problems in your child with an annual eye exam –  FREE for children (0-19 years) with a valid OHIP card. Find an Optometrist in your area at: www.optom.on.ca	All parents
Is your child one of the 15,000 children in ON that has trouble reading because they need glasses? Vision problems can affect learning, social development & self-esteem. With a valid OHIP card, children & youth aged 0-19 years are covered for an annual eye examination.   Find an Optometrist near you by visiting optom.on.ca.	All parents
Worried about the cost of glasses for your child? Some optometrists in our area participate in the I See, I Learn program. This program provides free eyeglasses to children in kindergarten. Find out more by visiting www.optom.on.ca.	All parents