What the 2025 Canada Eyecare Report Found on Overdue Exams
One-third of respondents in the Canada Eyecare Report 2025 were overdue for an eye exam or had never had one, and 17% said their last exam was more than five years ago. Specsavers commissioned the research, and Angus Reid Group conducted the survey. Specsavers - Canada Eyecare Report 2025 overview
The finding is a useful reminder to check your own exam history. It is a survey result from 2025, not a live measure of Canadians' eye health in 2026.
What the research measured
The online survey ran February 14–19, 2025, among 2,022 Canadian adults aged 18 and older from the Angus Reid Forum. The report says responses were weighted by age, gender, region and education. It examined attitudes, reported behaviour and barriers to eye care. The full report includes the methodology. Specsavers and Angus Reid Group - Canada Eyecare Report 2025
Respondents reported when they last had an exam and what made access difficult. The survey did not clinically examine each respondent's eyes. Its findings should not be read as a diagnosis or as evidence of how many people have untreated eye disease. Naming the report's sponsor identifies the research source; it is not a recommendation of its clinics.
Cost and awareness both matter
In the published survey, 51% of respondents agreed that the cost of an eye exam was a problem. Another 42% agreed that they would know if they had a problem with their eyes, while 38% said they would see an optometrist only if their vision started to get worse. Specsavers - Canada Eyecare Report 2025 overview
These findings point to different practical questions. Someone worried about cost needs a clear quote and coverage information. Someone waiting for symptoms needs to understand that some eye conditions can develop quietly.
Glaucoma is one example: it often has no early symptoms, and an examination can identify concerns that everyday vision alone does not reveal. National Eye Institute - Glaucoma
How to check whether you are due
Start with your last clinic's records or the return date your optometrist recommended. If you cannot remember your last exam, ask the clinic to check. Avoid choosing an interval only because a national headline says many people are overdue.
Your age, medical history and previous findings affect your schedule. Our guide to eye exam timing explains general Canadian recommendations and when symptoms need earlier attention. Campaign reminders such as GetEyeWise can prompt that check. They do not replace the interval your clinician recommends.
For children, use the separate children's eye exam guide. Adult survey results do not establish what a particular child needs.
Make the cost question specific
Ask the clinic what the appointment includes, whether you qualify for a public program and what you would pay after confirmed insurance reimbursement. Read our coverage guide and eye exam costs and quote questions before making routine arrangements.
A useful next step is to write down three things: your last exam date, the next interval recommended by your clinician and the clinic you will contact. That turns a general awareness message into a practical plan.
Find routine eye care
Find an optometry clinic on iSeeWell and confirm its services and appointment process. For a sudden vision change or serious eye symptoms, seek urgent assessment rather than waiting for an online request.
The original report was released on October 9, 2025, to mark World Sight Day. Specsavers - Report release October 9 2025
Book an eye exam online
iSeeWell helps you find a clinic and request an appointment:
- Find optometry clinics across Canada
- Confirm the clinic offers the service you need
- Wait for the clinic to confirm the appointment
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.
About this information: iSeeWell helps patients find clinics and request appointments; it does not provide clinical care. This is general information, not individual medical advice. Appointment requests require clinic confirmation.