Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program

The Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention program provides support for families with children who have a visual impairment from birth until school entry. The program offers support services at home and in the community.

With parent/guardian consent, referrals to the BLVEIP can be made by a doctor, ophthalmologist, optometrist, parent, or caregiver. The BLVEIP does not require a medical professional to refer, recommend, or approve service.

Currently KidsInclusive – KHSC, is the lead agency for the Southeast Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program (BLVEIP) and we contract services through Vision Loss Rehabilitation Ontario (VLRO) to provide the Early Childhood Vision Consultant (ECVC) service.

Beginning November 1, 2025, Surrey Place will become the lead agency and service provider for the BLVEIP for Southeastern Ontario, including the ECVC service. Surrey Place is the provincial lead for BLVEIP training and development and has been a recognized organization working in the developmental sector since the 1960s with extensive experience in delivery specialized programs for individuals and families. Transferring this program to Surrey Place will help to ensure long-term sustainability of and continued quality of the ECVC service as they are well positioned to provide immediate service coverage, training and evidence-based practice.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this transfer, you can:

• contact Darlene Derbyshire, Manager BLVIEP at KidsInclusive at 613 544 3400 
• email blindlowvision@surreyplace.ca
• contact Lindsay Hillier, Manager BLVEIP at Surrey Place at 416.925.5141 
• speak to your current Early Childhood Vision Consultant

Referrals can be made directly to Surrey Place as of November 1^st

• Online: https://www.surreyplace.ca/services/blind-low-vision-early-intervention-program/#toronto
• Call: 1-833-575-KIDS (5437)
• Fax: 416-925-3402

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with VLRO to provide this valuable service to families in this region and are confident this program will thrive under the direction of Surrey Place moving forward.