In- School Vision Assessment Program Returns to Central Okanagan After Strong First – Year Results

KELOWNA, BC, March 30, 2026 – Following strong results in its first year, the Early Childhood Vision Assessment Pilot is returning to the Central Okanagan with expanded access for the 2025–26 school year. BC Doctors of Optometry (BCDO), in partnership with Interior Health, will introduce in-school vision screenings for kindergarten students, with follow-up eye exams provided on site for children who require further assessment.

During last year’s pilot, one in three kindergarten students required further assessment, highlighting how common undetected vision issues can be at this age.

Building on proven success

Building on last year’s progress, the pilot will expand its reach during the 2025-26 school year from five to 32 participating schools. This ongoing work will provide valuable insights into how school-based vision care contributes to children’s eye health across the region.

This year, the program will provide vision screenings for kindergarten students, with those requiring follow-up receiving an in-school eye exam by an optometrist.  The program aims to detect potential vision concerns early and provide families with the information they need to support their child’s eye health. Children needing additional care will be supported with eye exams at optometry clinics, and glasses as needed.

“This pilot program demonstrates the benefit of early vision screening. Visual health is critical to a child’s success in the classroom and beyond.” said Dr. Silvina Mema, deputy chief medical health officer, Interior Health. “Based on these positive results, we’re glad to be able to expand the program this year to cover all schools in Central Okanagan. This will allow more children to receive the support they need to learn, engage, and thrive.”

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Interior Health and health care providers to address health-related barriers to learning, with the goal of improving children’s life chances,” said Jon Rever, Superintendent of Schools for Central Okanagan Public Schools. “We are pleased to see this program expand to include district-wide vision screening for all Kindergarten students.”

In the Central Okanagan, local optometrist and BCDO member Dr. Sophia Capo has played a key role in driving implementation of the program.

The importance of regular eye exams for children

Last year’s pilot consisted of an in-school eye exam by an optometrist for Kindergarten students. This program revealed a compelling data point: one in three Kindergarten students required further assessment, underscoring the critical role early vision screening can play in children’s development and classroom participation. In total, 217 students received exams across five schools, and 19% were provided glasses, ensuring equitable access to care.

“These findings reinforce what optometrists see every day—many children have vision issues that aren’t obvious but can affect how they learn and engage in the classroom,” said Dr. Danielle Campbell, optometrist and chair of BCDO’s Children’s Vision Steering Committee.

Regular eye exams are an important part of a child’s overall health care. Even if a child appears to see well, routine eye exams can help identify potential vision concerns early and provide reassurance to families.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to schedule eye exams for their children according to their eye care provider’s recommendations. To find a local optometrist, visit bc.doctorsofoptometry.ca/find-a-doctor.