Mr. Speaker, a child’s eye health is vital to ensure a positive start to their journey of learning. A new pilot program that supports children as they prepare to start school, the Eye See Eye Learn Program, is designed to allow children to overcome potential barriers to eye exams. It contributes to a more positive learning experience, as well as an overall improvement to their quality of life. We encourage all parents to avail of this program and get your children’s eyes checked by one of this province’s optometrists.

With a commitment of $250,000, the program will provide a free comprehensive eye examination for every kindergarten-age child resident in the province. It also will provide one pair of free prescription eye glasses to children who require them. The program is open so that any child who needs a pair of glasses, gets one.

There are approximately 65 optometrists in the province, located in all four health authority regions. In areas of Newfoundland and Labrador where there is no direct access to an optometrist, the program will run in tandem with the Public Health Pre-School Health Check eye screening.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists, which will be administering the program, and the Essilor Foundation, who will be contributing the glasses for this important program. This joint solution will provide the best eye care for the children of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.