By: Nanette Ermel and Gabriella Rabaa
On April 15, 2026, CNIB co-hosted a reception at the Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina, alongside Deafblind Community Services and Vision Loss Rehabilitation, to highlight the profound impact of eye exams and early vision health screening for children’s learning and development.
Vision plays a critical role in a child’s ability to learn, read, and participate fully in classroom activities. Undiagnosed vision issues can significantly impact a child’s development, behaviour, and academic success. It may take years in school before educators and caregivers even realize a child has vision loss. Although annual eye exams for children under age 18 are covered under public insurance, only a small proportion of kids actually receive a comprehensive eye exam each year.
That’s why we held a reception with decision-makers to highlight the importance of early access to eye exams. The reception was attended by a number of elected officials as well as the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, the Honourable Bernadette McIntyre. Christall Beaudry, Chief Inclusion Officer for CNIB, made an address urging government officials to help enhance the number of children receiving early eye exams by supporting measures to raise awareness amongst caregivers and ensure every child receives a comprehensive eye exam before starting school.
During the reception, it was also announced that CNIB will be piloting a vision screening program at our Mobile Hubs around the province this spring and fall. A vision screening device was available at the event for attendees to learn about firsthand.
We look forward to continuing our work with the provincial government on child eye exams. To support our efforts, we encourage you to read and sign the Charter of Rights of Children who are Blind or Low Vision and share it with your network.
To learn more about our Mobile Hub and when it will visit your region, visit cnib.ca/mobilehub.