When to Get an Eye Exam in Canada
Book an eye exam when it is due on your usual schedule or when your vision or eye comfort changes. The right interval depends on your age, symptoms and risk factors. Being able to read clearly does not rule out every eye condition.
Sudden vision loss, a new curtain or shadow in your vision, severe eye pain, a chemical splash or a serious injury needs immediate care. Do not wait for a routine online appointment. New flashes or a sudden increase in floaters also need immediate eye assessment. National Eye Institute - Retinal detachment NHS - Eye injuries
Routine timing by age
The Canadian Association of Optometrists' guidance for low-risk people without symptoms provides these starting points:
| Age group | General routine guidance |
|---|---|
| Infants | First comprehensive exam between six and nine months. |
| Preschool children | At least one exam between ages two and five. |
| School-age children and teenagers | Annual exams through the school years, using the CAO age group of six to 19. |
| Adults aged 20–64 | Every two years. |
| Adults aged 65 and older | Annually, or as your optometrist recommends. |
These are general intervals, not a reason to postpone symptoms. People with diabetes, an existing eye condition or other risks may need a different schedule. Your treating clinician should set it. Canadian Association of Optometrists - The Eye Exam
Changes that deserve an appointment
Arrange an assessment if you notice gradually worsening distance or reading vision, repeated eyestrain, persistent dryness, squinting or difficulty seeing clearly at night. Tell the clinic what has changed and when it started so it can advise how soon you should be seen.
Headaches and reading difficulties can have several causes. An eye exam can investigate a possible vision contribution, but it does not establish that the eyes are the only cause. If a symptom is new, severe or accompanied by other illness, seek medical advice promptly.
Discomfort that shows up mainly during screen work is covered in digital eye strain and when to book an exam.
If driving feels unsafe because of your vision, arrange another way to travel while you seek assessment.
When to seek urgent care
Sudden changes belong in a different category from a gradual prescription change. A dark curtain, many new floaters or flashes can signal a retinal problem. Contact an eye-care service able to assess you immediately, or go to an emergency department if immediate care is unavailable. National Eye Institute - Retinal detachment
Seek urgent medical assessment for new double vision. If it occurs with weakness, facial droop, trouble speaking, a severe headache or other sudden neurological symptoms, call 911. For severe pain, major injury or chemical exposure, seek emergency care immediately. NHS - Double vision CDC - Stroke warning signs
Our eye emergency guide explains the distinction between urgent assessment and routine booking.
What to bring
Bring your current glasses, contact lens information, medication list and relevant health or insurance documents. Our guide to what happens during an eye exam explains how to prepare. Note when symptoms began and any eye conditions in your family. Ask the clinic whether you need to change your contact lens wear before the visit and whether dilation could affect your travel plans. Canadian Association of Optometrists - What to bring
Before leaving the appointment, ask when you should return and which changes should prompt an earlier call. Save that recommendation with your other health reminders.
Clinical timing and insurance timing are different
The medically recommended interval may differ from the interval your public or private plan funds. Ask about eye exam coverage and fees, while following clinical advice about when care is needed.
A national survey asked adults when they last had an exam and what made access difficult. See what the 2025 Canada Eyecare Report found. Awareness campaigns, including Vision Health Month 2026 and GetEyeWise, are reminders to check that date. They do not set your personal interval.
For more focused preparation, see children's eye exams, eye assessments for people with diabetes and eye care for seniors.
Arrange a routine appointment
For routine care, find an optometry clinic on iSeeWell. Confirm that the clinic offers the service you need and confirm the appointment directly or through its available request process.
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 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.