Nickel Belt M-P-P Marks Optometry Day With Vision Check

By Angela Gemmill

Getting an eye-examine could determine more than just if a person needs prescription eye-glasses.

Today is Optometry Day, and Nickel Belt M-P-P and New Democrat Health Critic, France Gelinas visited Labrecque-Fisher Optometry in Lively to learn more about eye health.

While she toured the facility and had her own eyes checked…Gelinas says it was the information about children that most caught her attention.

Children as young as six-months old can get their eyes checked.

Optometrist Dr Teri Fisher says it’s especially important for children to get their eyes checked because an undiagnosed vision problem could mean learning problems in school.

There’s also a special program, called Eye See Eye Learn which provides free eye-glasses to children who need them.

Optometrists use specialized equipment to check patients’ eyes, and along with vision problems can determine underlying health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure.