Free Eye Exams for Kindergarten Kids in Alberta: Setting Your Child Up for Success
Emma's Story: The Classroom Struggles We Didn't See
Emma was an energetic five-year-old who couldn't wait to start kindergarten. She loved listening to bedtime stories, singing along to songs, and playing with her friends. But within the first few weeks of school, her teacher noticed something—Emma struggled to follow along when words were written on the board.
At home, her parents saw little signs too: she held books close to her face, tilted her head when watching TV, and sometimes got frustrated with puzzles that seemed easy for other kids. But Emma never complained about blurry vision—because she didn't know what clear vision looked like.
A routine eye exam through the Eye See…Eye Learn program changed everything. Dr. McKenzie quickly spotted her farsightedness, and within days, Emma had her first pair of glasses—completely free. The difference was immediate. Suddenly, she was eager to read, confident in class, and even started colouring within the lines.
Emma's parents were shocked that they had almost missed it. "We thought she was just adjusting to school, but really, she just couldn't see properly," her mom said.
This is precisely why early eye exams matter.
Why Vision Matters in Kindergarten
Did you know that 80% of learning is visual? From recognizing letters to following along on a whiteboard, clear vision plays a huge role in a child's early education. Yet, 1 in 4 school-aged kids has an undiagnosed vision problem—just like Emma.
The tricky part? Many kids don't realize they have blurry vision. Unlike adults, who can say, "My vision is getting worse," children assume everyone sees the world the same way they do. That's why a comprehensive eye exam before Grade 1 is crucial—it can make all the difference between a confident, engaged student and one who struggles unnecessarily.
Milo’s Story: Hands-On World
Milo was a lively five-year-old with endless curiosity. At home, his parents often joked that he had to touch everything—the buttons on the microwave, the books on the shelf, the smooth surface of the dining table. At the playground, he preferred games where he could feel what was in front of him—climbing the jungle gym, digging in the sand, or playing with building blocks up close.
His kindergarten teacher noticed the same thing. During story time, Milo sat as close to the teacher as possible. On the playground, he stuck to the equipment instead of running around in open spaces. And in class, while other kids raised their hands to answer questions from across the room, Milo rarely looked up unless he was right next to something.
His parents thought it was just part of his personality—maybe he was a hands-on learner or just liked being close to things. But during his Eye See…Eye Learn™ exam, our optometrists noticed something else.
“Milo is nearsighted,” she explained. “He sees things up close just fine, but the farther away something is, the blurrier it gets.”
It all made sense. Milo wasn’t touching everything because he wanted to—he was doing it because he needed to.
A few days later, Milo picked out his first pair of glasses—bright green frames that made him smile. The moment he put them on, he turned to his mom with wide eyes. “I can see the letters on the wall!” he said excitedly, pointing at the alphabet chart. On the drive home, he gasped, “Mom! I can see the houses across the street!”
At the playground the next day, something changed. Instead of sticking to the jungle gym, Milo ran straight for the soccer field—chasing after the ball with his friends for the very first time.
His mom watched from a distance, smiling. Milo’s world had just gotten a whole lot bigger.
What Is the Eye See…Eye Learn Program?
The Eye See…Eye Learn™ program, created by the Alberta Association of Optometrists in 2004, ensures that every kindergarten child in Alberta gets a comprehensive eye exam—entirely covered by Alberta Health. But that's not all.
If a child needs glasses, they get a high-quality pair of glasses for free—thanks to the program's partnership with select eyewear companies. There's no cost, no paperwork, and no financial barrier standing in the way of clear vision.
Who is eligible?
All kindergarten-aged children in Alberta
Must complete the exam before June 30th of their kindergarten year
Over 50 Free Eyeglass Styles & Colours to Choose From!
We know that kids want to love their glasses, and that's why the Eye See…Eye Learn™ program offers a huge selection of over 50 styles and colours—all completely free.
From fun, bright colours to classic designs, a frame for every child's personality. Whether they want to look like a scientist, a superhero, or just like mom and dad, we help them find a pair that makes them excited to wear their glasses every day.
Aiden’s Story: Loving His New Glasses
Aiden, a five-year-old with a love for dinosaurs and building forts, wasn’t too excited about getting glasses—at first. He had no idea he needed them, but during his Eye See…Eye Learn exam, our own Dr. Sobolewski found he was struggling with mild astigmatism.
When Aiden tried on his new glasses, he looked around and gasped, “Everything looks bigger!” At school, his teacher noticed that he was more focused and started participating more. At home, he kept running to the mirror to admire himself in his new blue frames.
His mom sent us a message a week later:
“Aiden loves his glasses! He says they make him look like a scientist. We’re so grateful for this program!”
This is why we do what we do—clear vision doesn’t just help kids learn; it gives them confidence, independence, and a new way to see the world.
Why We Still Offer Free Eye Exams for Young Kids at Helio Optometry
Recent changes to Alberta Health Care coverage have made it more difficult for some families to access eye care for young children. But at Helio Optometry, we believe in removing barriers—not adding them.
That's why we still offer free eye exams through Alberta Health Care for kids aged 0-5. Whether your child is in kindergarten or just starting to explore the world, we want to make sure their vision isn't holding them back.
How to Book Your Child's Free Eye Exam
If your child is in kindergarten, don't wait—book their Eye See…Eye Learn exam before the June 30th deadline. Whether they need glasses or not, you'll gain peace of mind knowing their vision is setting them up for success.
At Helio Optometry, we make it easy:
✅ Comprehensive eye exams for kids
✅ Direct billing to Alberta Health (for eligible age groups)
✅ Free glasses if needed through Eye See…Eye Learn
📅 Book your child's eye exam today: Book Online
Final Thought: Clear Vision Changes Everything
EEmma'sstory isn't unique. We see kids every year whose lives change with something as simple as a pair of glasses. Parents may not always notice vision problems, but an eye exam can.
Give your child the best start possible—because seeing clearly means learning confidently.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.