One-Third of Canadian Adults Are Overdue for an Eye Exam

One in three Canadian adults are overdue for, or have never had, an eye exam, according to the Canada Eyecare Report 2025.

The report was commissioned by Specsavers Canada and conducted by Angus Reid Group. It highlights gaps in eye exam awareness, affordability, and preventive eye care across Canada.

Source: Specsavers Canada, Canada Eyecare Report 2025. Canada Eyecare Report

Key facts

• One-third of Canadian adults are overdue for, or have never had, an eye exam.

• 17% of Canadian adults report that their last eye exam was more than five years ago or never.

• 51% of Canadians say cost is a concern when seeing an optometrist.

• 42% of Canadians say they would know if they had a vision problem.

• 38% of Canadians say they would only seek care from an optometrist if their vision began to get worse.

• 46% of Canadians report a diagnosis of myopia, but only 18% are aware that myopia is on the rise.

  Source: Specsavers Canada, Canada Eyecare Report 2025. Canada Eyecare Report

Why this matters

Many people wait until their vision changes before booking an eye exam. But some eye diseases can develop quietly, without obvious symptoms.

Regular eye exams help detect vision changes and eye health concerns earlier. They are also an important part of preventive health.

Source: Specsavers Canada, Canada Eyecare Report 2025. Canada Eyecare Report

Vision loss is a serious issue in Canada

CNIB estimates that about 1.5 million Canadians identify as having sight loss. CNIB also estimates that another 5.59 million Canadians have an eye disease that could cause sight loss.

Source: CNIB, Blindness in Canada. Blindness in Canada

How often should Canadians get an eye exam?

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends eye exam frequency based on age and risk level.

For low-risk patients:

• Infants and toddlers: first exam between 6 and 9 months
• Preschool children: at least one exam between ages 2 and 5
• School-age children 6 to 19: annually
• Adults 20 to 39: every 2 to 3 years
• Adults 40 to 64: every 2 years
• Adults 65 and older: annually

Your optometrist may recommend a different schedule depending on your health, symptoms, family history, or eye disease risk.

Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists, Position Statement: Frequency of Eye Examinations. CAO Position Statement (PDF)

For signs it may be time to book sooner than your usual interval, see our guide on when to get an eye exam.

Cost and coverage can be confusing

Cost is one reason many Canadians delay eye care. Coverage also depends on your province, age, medical conditions, and insurance.

In Ontario, OHIP covers eye examinations for children and youth 19 and under, adults 65 and older, and adults 20 to 64 with an eligible medical condition affecting their eyes.

Children and youth 19 and under are covered for one major eye exam every 12 months. Adults 65 and older without an eligible eye-related medical condition are covered for one major eye exam every 18 months, plus eligible minor assessments. Adults 20 to 64 without an eligible medical condition affecting their eyes are not covered under OHIP for routine eye exams.

Source: College of Optometrists of Ontario, Funding Options for Eye Examinations in Ontario. Funding Options for Eye Examinations in Ontario

For a full province-by-province breakdown, see our guide: How Eye Exam Coverage Works in Canada.

Eye care is becoming a national priority

Canada's National Strategy for Eye Care Act received royal assent on November 7, 2024.

The Act provides for the development of a national strategy to support the prevention and treatment of eye disease, as well as vision rehabilitation. It also designates February as Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month.

Source: Parliament of Canada, Bill C-284, National Strategy for Eye Care Act. Bill C-284 – Royal Assent

The simple takeaway

Many Canadians are waiting too long to get their eyes checked. Some are worried about cost. Others believe they would notice a vision problem on their own.

But eye health problems can develop quietly.

If it has been more than two years since your last eye exam, or if your child has not had a recent exam, it may be time to book.

Book an eye exam online

iSeeWell makes booking straightforward:

• Find optometry clinics across Canada
• Compare appointment availability
• Book your eye exam online in minutes

For coverage by province, see eye exam coverage in Canada. For signs it may be time to book, see when to get an eye exam. For cost details, see eye exam cost in Canada. More guides. Clear vision starts with the right care and the right appointment.