Little boy doing eye test.

School-Based Public Health Clinics

Home Health and Wellness School HealthSchool-Based Public Health Clinics

Vision screening program

The Health Department's school-based vision screening program is on hold for the 2022-2023 school year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vision screening remains an important component of child visual health. Vision screening can identify children who may have no apparent symptoms, eye abnormalities or blurred vision. If left untreated, these problems may lead to permanent vision loss or impaired academic performance in school.

It is recommended that all children see an optometrist for an eye exam. A yearly eye exam is free for children up to 19 years of age with a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card.

To find an optometrist, visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists website or call 1-800-540-3837.

Up to one in four children have problems seeing which can affect their learning. Some of these problems can be treated only if identified while children are young.

Public health nurses conduct vision screening for senior kindergarten students in accordance with the Ontario Public Health Standards.

About the program

The purpose of this program is to provide early identification of vision problems which may otherwise go undetected.

The screening process provides a snapshot of the vision status of children.
Screening is quick, easy, and poses no risk to your child.
Every year, Durham Region public health nurses complete vision testing for children in senior kindergarten.
Vision testing does not replace an eye exam by a doctor. It is recommended that all children see an optometrist for an eye exam.
If your child is away from school for vision testing, please make an appointment with your local optometrist for an eye exam.
A yearly eye exam is free for children up to 19 years of age with a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card.
To find an optometrist, visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists website or call 1-800-540-3837.

What to expect

A letter is sent home from the school before the screening date with information about the screening process.
Screening is performed by a public health nurse who uses non-invasive tools to complete the vision screening process.
A letter is sent home to all parents/guardians after vision screening is completed.
All children, regardless of vision screening results are recommended to follow up with an optometrist for an OHIP covered comprehensive eye exam.
Privacy and confidentiality are always a priority.

If you do not wish to have your child's vision screened, please call 905-668-7711 or 1-800-841-2729 extension 2216

Getting help with the cost of prescription eyeglasses

Find an optometrist near you

Grade 7 school vaccine clinics

For the 2022-2023 school year the Durham Region Health Department will be providing three vaccines (listed below) to eligible grade 7 and 8 students at your child's school. It is safe for your child to get multiple vaccines at one time.

Find more information on school based immunization clinics.

The following school-based vaccinations are free at Durham Region Health Department clinics. They are not free through your health care provider:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (2 doses, 6 months apart)
Hepatitis B (2 doses, 6 months apart)
Meningococcal C-ACYW135 (Men C-ACYW135) (one dose only)

Get more information on our Child Immunization and School Clinics page.

School screening dental clinics

The school dental screening program is offered to all schools in Durham Region

If you would like your child to receive a free dental screening or if you have any questions regarding your child’s oral health, please contact the Health Department, Oral Health Clinic at 1-866-853-1326 extension 4567.

A dental screening is a quick look at the teeth and gums with a dental mirror. It is performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist. All schools in Durham Region participate in the school dental screening program.

Learn more on our School Screening Dental Clinics page