One of the things my clients look to me for is who to contact for what: Schools, Contractors, Plumbers, Doctors, Dentists, etc. They ask about where to get the best perch dinner (we are in Port Dover after all), how to get involved in the community, and a huge list of other newcomer questions. It’s important to me to be able to not just get through the real estate transaction with my clients but also to stay in touch and make them feel welcome.
I came across this little bit of information for parents (or grandparents) of little ones in JK since my youngest just started in this school year. It’s called the “Eye See Eye Learn” program and it’s something that happens not just in Ontario but in other Provinces as well (check the picture to follow the Ontario link).
My oldest has glasses (and contacts) and her Teacher in grade 3 was the first to point out there may be a problem – I just hadn’t noticed and since I don’t wear glasses I hadn’t thought to have her eyes checked. So a big thank you to Mrs. Smith (and to Mrs. Baldwin when we thought that it might just have been end of year eye burnout for Grace and waited till grade 4)! So we’ve been better at getting the rest of the girls in earlier (yes “girls”, I have 4).
Borrowed from the the website of Ontario Association of Optometrists, this is their explanation of the program:
“Eye See…Eye Learn® provides comprehensive eye exams by participating local optometrists to junior kindergarten students across Ontario. The eye exams are covered under provincial health insurance (or OHIP) when you show your child’s health card. This means that there is no out-of-pocket cost for the eye exam.
If the child requires a pair of glasses, they will receive a complimentary pair donated by Nikon Lenswear, OGI and your participating optometrist. The value of the glasses is estimated over $250.
The Eye See…Eye Learn® program was developed to raise awareness among parents of the importance of having their children’s eyes checked when starting school. Each year, thousands of children start school without ever having an eye exam.
Children who cannot see the board, focus on a picture or follow words in a book may struggle to achieve their full learning potential. Vision problems can also impact their hand-eye coordination for physical activities and even impact their social development. In fact, 80 per cent of learning comes directly through vision.”
So, no time like the present no matter the age (kids up to 18 are covered for eye exams through OHIP) and your Eye Doctor can help you through your options for glasses with or without extended benefits. While you’re there look after yourself too!
If you’re new to the area and are looking for a recommendation, our family goes to Norfolk Family Eye Care in Port Dover (they also have a Simcoe office) and we love them! They do participate in the Eye See… Eye Learn program and are conveniently located in the No Frills plaza at the corner of Thompson Dr. and Main St. Or check them out online by following the link when you click their picture.
Putting the "Real" in Real Estate 